Zoe Saldana Delivers Emotional Speech at 2025 Critics Choice Awards, Giving a Heartfelt Shoutout to her Sons
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Zoe Saldana has been named the Critics Choice Award winner for the best supporting actress in a movie for her outstanding performance in Emilia Pérez. The talented actress accepted her award during the prestigious ceremony held at the Barker Hanger in Los Angeles on Friday, Feb. 7. Expressing her gratitude to her colleagues and supporters, Saldana described the win as an “incredible honor.” She humbly acknowledged her fellow nominees and praised their exceptional work, stating, “I will forever be proud to be among you. Thank you to all of you. I can’t see you, but you f—ing rock.”
Acknowledging the role of critics in the industry, Saldana shared her perspective on receiving feedback, saying, “Whenever you receive negative criticism for a role or a film, everyone says, ‘Don’t read the reviews.’ Then when you get the positive feedback, everyone says, ‘Did you read the reviews?’ But I appreciate the role of a critic.” She continued, “I sometimes read the reviews and I internalize it, especially the really insightful and helpful feedback.” Saldana shared some amusing comments she has received from critics, including, “‘Her crying is really distracting. She’s in too many franchises,’ or my personal favorite, ‘She’s too blue.'”
The actress went on to express her deep gratitude for her family, singling out her husband and nephew who were present at the event. She credited them for shaping her into who she is and gave a special mention to her sons, referring to them as her “greatest adventure” and her toughest critics. Saldana’s message to her boys was filled with love as she declared, “My wish for the impact of this film on audiences in our world is that I hope we can all be curious and open-hearted towards each other, because you never know when you’ll have the opportunity to be a hero in someone else’s story.”
Among the other nominees in the best supporting actress category were Danielle Deadwyler for The Piano Lesson, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor for Nickel Boys, Ariana Grande for Wicked: Part One, Margaret Qualley for The Substance, and Isabella Rossellini for Conclave. The Critics Choice Association honoured these talented individuals for their exceptional contributions to the film industry.
Deadwyler, known for her portrayal of Berniece in The Piano Lesson, earned her lone nomination for the film, which tells the story of a mother in Pittsburgh who refuses to sell her family’s piano. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, recognized for her role in Nickel Boys as Hattie, emphasized the importance of giving a voice to marginalized children and expressed her hope that the film would shed light on their stories.
Meanwhile, Ariana Grande made her mark with her performance as Glinda in Wicked: Part One, a horror-comedy hit led by Margaret Qualley in The Substance and Isabella Rossellini in Conclave. Each of these actresses brought a unique and powerful presence to their respective roles, earning them well-deserved nominations at the prestigious awards ceremony.
Zoe Saldana’s win at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards highlighted her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft. Her emotional speech, filled with gratitude and love for her family, resonated with audiences and fellow industry professionals alike. As Saldana continues to captivate audiences with her performances, her impact on the world of cinema remains significant and enduring.
The Critics Choice Awards celebrated the outstanding achievements of these talented individuals, showcasing the diversity and talent present in the film industry. As the entertainment world continues to evolve, these artists will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy through their work, inspiring future generations of performers and storytellers.
Overall, Zoe Saldana’s heartfelt shoutout to her sons and her emotional acceptance speech at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards served as a poignant reminder of the power of love, family, and dedication in the world of cinema. With her remarkable talent and unwavering passion for her craft, Saldana continues to be a shining example of excellence in the entertainment industry.