SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Dominicans on Monday celebrated Zoe Saldaña’s Oscar win for finest supporting actress for her function in “Emilia Pérez,” marking a second of immense nationwide delight.
Dominican President Luis Abinader took to X instantly after the actress acquired the award Sunday night time, thanking her for being a worthy consultant of Dominican tradition.
“I congratulate you, Zoe Saldaña, for becoming the first Dominican to win an Oscar,” he wrote. “Your talent and dedication exalt our nation, thank you for carrying our flag high. You are a Dominican pride,” Abinader mentioned.
Minister of Tradition Roberto Ángel Salcedo, a former movie producer, echoed the sentiment. “We’re deeply pleased with you. It’s a well-deserved recognition of your profession and your worldwide success. Bravo, Zoe!,” he mentioned in a press release shared on social media.
Saldaña, an American of Dominican descent, received the most effective supporting actress Oscar for her portrayal of Mexican lawyer Rita Castro within the French narco-musical “Emilia Pérez.”
Scarlet Jiménez, a 34-year-old lawyer, drew parallels to Amelia Vega’s 2003 Miss Universe win, one other historic first for Dominican girls.
“I thought it was super excellent, the domi (Dominicans) shining everywhere, just as Amelia won Miss Universe at the time, that’s how it feels,” mentioned Jiménez.
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Diario Libre, the Dominican Republic’s largest newspaper, devoted its Monday editorial to Saldaña.
“Saldaña has established herself as one of the most prominent figures in global cinema, transcending barriers of genre, platforms and film genres,” the newspaper wrote.
In her acceptance speech, Saldaña saluted her mom, who attended the ceremony on the Dolby Theater, and affectionately remembered her grandmother, who migrated to the U.S. in 1961.
“I am a proud child of immigrant parents. With dreams and dignity and hard working hands,” mentioned Saldaña. “I’m the primary American of Dominican origin to just accept an Academy Award. And I do know I received’t be the final.”
“The fact that I am getting an award for a role where I got to sing and speak in Spanish, my grandmother, if she were here, she would be so delighted,” she mentioned.
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Observe AP’s protection of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
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