Zoe Saldaña Reveals Her Oscar Is Gender Fluid and Identifies as ‘Trans,’ ‘Goes by They/Them’
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Zoe Saldaña, the renowned actress, disclosed exclusively to PEOPLE at the Los Angeles premiere of her latest film ‘Elio’ that her Oscar statuette from her award-winning role as Emilia Pérez is “gender fluid.” Saldaña conveyed that her prestigious award “goes by they/them,” showcasing a unique and inclusive perspective in the realm of accolades.
At the pinnacle of her career, Saldaña clinched the Best Supporting Actress Oscar at the 2025 Academy Awards for her remarkable portrayal in Emilia Pérez, marking a significant milestone in her acting journey. Subsequently, during the premiere of ‘Elio’ on June 10, the actress elaborated on the current whereabouts of her coveted Oscar, revealing that she houses it in her office and highlighted its gender fluid nature, emphasising that it identifies as “trans” and utilises they/them pronouns.
Emilia Pérez, a captivating Spanish-language film intertwining elements of music and crime drama, showcases Saldaña embodying the character of Rita, a lawyer on a mission to facilitate gender-affirming surgery for the movie’s protagonist, portrayed by Karla Sofía Gascón. In contrast, the film ‘Elio’ explores the narrative of a space enthusiast named Elio with a profound alien fascination, where Saldaña plays the role of Olga Solís, captivating her audience with a Pixar/Disney collaboration that resonates with a younger demographic.
Saldaña’s foray into family-oriented projects aligns with her personal journey as a mother of three sons: Zen, Bowie, and Cy. Her decision to involve herself in productions tailored for children, such as ‘Elio,’ emanates from a desire to bond with her children over shared experiences and create lasting memories through valuable moments spent together during movie nights.
Acknowledging the impact of her monumental achievement on her children, Saldaña revealed that her sons, despite their usual indifference to her work, perceived her Emilia Pérez Oscar as a significant triumph akin to winning the World Cup. The actress’s portrayal of Rita in Emilia Pérez resonated deeply with her sons, evoking emotions akin to witnessing an iconic sporting event, encapsulating the magnitude of her professional accomplishments in a language they understand and appreciate.
As a testament to the evolving landscape of inclusivity and representation in the entertainment industry, Saldaña’s candid revelation about her Oscar’s gender fluid identity symbolises a progressive shift towards fostering acceptance and diversity within the realms of art and recognition. By embracing and normalising diverse gender identities, Saldaña sets a precedent for inclusivity and respect within the prestigious echelons of the Academy Awards and the wider entertainment sphere.
In a touching display of familial unity, Saldaña’s decision to share her Oscar journey with her sons at the ‘Elio’ premiere underscores the significance of nurturing bonds and creating cherished memories as a family unit. Through her multifaceted roles as an actress and a devoted mother, Saldaña exemplifies the essence of balancing professional success with meaningful connections with her children, reinforcing the importance of shared experiences and emotional resonance in family dynamics.
In conclusion, Zoe Saldaña’s revelation about her gender fluid Oscar marks a pivotal moment in her illustrious career, symbolising a paradigm shift towards gender inclusivity and representation in the entertainment landscape. As she continues to captivate audiences with her versatile performances on screen, Saldaña’s commitment to embracing diversity and fostering meaningful connections with her children underscores her multifaceted persona as an actress, mother, and advocate for inclusivity in the industry.