By Tony Lesesne
The 2024 Golden Globes are in the history books and its official. Zoe Saldana movies that its clear that she's a straight up ICON. Yup. As the years go by, I am reminded by her incredible range and diversity of work that Zoe Saldana isn't just an actress; she's a force of nature. From the vibrant Neytiri in Avatar to the enigmatic Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy, she's consistently chosen roles that push boundaries and challenge expectations. Gamora, as we we're stunned to see, was the heart and soul of the Guardians and gave the character a powerful yet painful presence.
Acting in “Emilia Pérez” was especially liberating for Saldana, who said in an interview with IndieWire of the Audiard musical, “I went all in. I felt her spirit, and I felt that a lot more people were going to find themselves in Rita.” Saldaña described getting her part in “Emilia Pérez” as a “true gift” that allowed her to “reconnect” with parts of herself she’d moved past without realizing it, especially her musical side and personal history.
The Films she has appeared in have grossed more than $15 billion worldwide and, as of 2024, she is the second highest-grossing lead actress and the highest-grossing actress overall. Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2023.
Saldana's journey to stardom wasn't without its setbacks. As a young, Dominican-American actress, she faced limited opportunities and had to break through stereotypes to carve her own path. Hollywood often tried to confine her to stereotypical roles, but Saldana refused to be typecast. She persevered, honing her craft and consistently delivering powerful performances that captivated audiences.
This unwavering determination and dedication to her craft are evident in her latest triumph, her Golden Globe win for Best Supporting Actress in Amelia Perez. This daring film, nominated for a record-breaking 10 Globes, tells the story of a Mexican drug lord with a profound secret: a woman yearning for freedom. Saldana's portrayal of the lawyer navigating this complex case is a masterclass in acting, showcasing her incredible range and fearless commitment to challenging narratives.
In July 2016 during an interview with Net-a-Porter's The Edit, Saldaña revealed she has Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease, along with her mother and sisters. To combat the effects of this disease, Saldaña said she and her husband adhere to a gluten- and dairy-free diet. Saldaña is a supporter of FINCA International, a micro-finance organization. In 2017, she founded BESE, a digital media platform designed to "combat the lack of diversity in the mainstream media" with an interest on positive stories within the Latino community. In September 2020, Saldaña used her social media presence to participate in the VoteRiders #IDCheck Challenge to help spread the word about voter ID requirements for that year's presidential election. Beyond her undeniable talent, Saldana inspires with her dedication to authenticity and her commitment to representing diverse stories.
She's a role model for aspiring actors and a reminder that true artistry lies in embracing the unexpected and pushing creative boundaries. Zoe Saldana, you are a true inspiration.
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