The 2025th Oscar Awards left some memorable moments for Latino talent in the film industry. Although there were not many victories, there were figures and films with a strong Latino presence that stood out at the March 2 ceremony.
Actress of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent Zoe Saldaña took home the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Perez, a film that captured the Academy’s attention for its story and diverse cast. This win marks a milestone in her career and solidifies her place as one of the most influential Latina figures in Hollywood.
Saldaña has built an impressive career with appearances in some of cinema’s biggest franchises. She is widely recognized for her role as Neytiri in the Avatar saga, Gamora in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and her performance in the Star Trek franchise. In addition, she recently shined in the series Lioness, where she played Joe, an undercover agent in a story in which she had to develop all her histrionic abilities. Her performance in Lioness demonstrated her versatility and ability to lead projects in both film and television, reaffirming her status as one of the most influential Latina actresses of the moment.
In the Best International Feature Film category, the big winner was I’m Still Here. Her recognition in this category reflects the growing influence of Brazilian cinema and the diversity of stories that are making it to the big screen. Its victory represents a triumph for the expansion of narratives that connect with audiences beyond Hollywood, as the film tells a story associated with high political tension in 1970s Brazil.
Latin music shined
The film Emilia Perez also won the Oscar for Best Original Song for “El Mal”. This win demonstrates the impact of Latin music in the film industry and how more and more productions are incorporating this element as part of their narrative identity.
Although not all of the Latino nominees were able to win the award, their presence on the shortlists is already a great recognition. Among them is Karla Sofía Gascón, who was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her role in Emilia Pérez. Although she did not win the statuette, her nomination was a significant moment, as it made her the first trans woman nominated in this category in the history of the Oscars.
Latin American cinema continues to advance on the global scene, and more and more actors, directors and productions are finding their space in these awards. Although in 2025 the awards for Latin American talent were limited, their presence continues to rise and promises to continue to surprise in the coming years.
