Zoe Saldaña has won the Best Supporting Actress award at the 97th Academy Awards for her role in Emilia Pérez. She plays Rita Mora Castro, a highly skilled junior criminal defense attorney.
Rita is hired by a well-known cartel leader who wants to fake his death and start a new life as a woman. He takes on the identity of Emilia Pérez, and Rita plays a key role in helping him with this transition.
Saldaña won against strong competition from Monica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown), Ariana Grande (Wicked), Felicity Jones (The Brutalist), and Isabella Rossellini (Conclave). Despite controversy surrounding her co-star Karla Sofia Gascón, Saldaña remained unaffected and secured her well-deserved Oscar.
Gascón’s involvement in online debates caused challenges for the film, but Saldaña’s performance stood out, earning her the prestigious award.
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A Look at Best Supporting Actress Winners Through the Years
The Best Supporting Actress award has celebrated some of the most remarkable performances in film history. This category was introduced at the 9th Academy Awards in 1937 to recognize actresses who deliver outstanding performances in a supporting role. These performances often add emotion, humor, or conflict to a movie, making them essential to the story.
Gale Sondergaard was the first winner in this category for her role in Anthony Adverse in 1937. Many legendary actresses have won this award, including Meryl Streep, Dianne Wiest, Whoopi Goldberg, and Viola Davis. Shelley Winters and Dianne Wiest hold the record for the most wins in this category, with two Oscars each.
In recent years, this award has recognized a variety of performances, from historical dramas and biopics to comedies and unique roles. At last year’s 96th Academy Awards, Da’Vine Joy Randolph won for her role in The Holdovers, where she played a grieving mother who formed a new family during a Christmas holiday at a boarding school in the 1970s.
A supporting role is more than just standing beside the main characters. These actors help bring depth to the film and make the story more engaging. Every year, this category highlights incredible talent, proving that supporting roles can be just as powerful and memorable as leading performances.
Whether portraying a loyal friend, a dangerous enemy, or a mysterious figure in the background, Best Supporting Actress winners have left a lasting impact on cinema.
Stay tuned to Otakukart for more updates on the 97th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California.
