Oscars 2025: Zoe Saldaña Takes A Jibe At Trump's Immigration Policy, Calls Herself 'Proud Child Of Immigrant Parents' | WATCH

Oscars 2025: The 97th Academy Awards is ongoing at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Among all the prestigious awards, Zoe Saldaña took home her first Academy Award, winning Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez. The emotional victory capped off an already stellar awards season. While accepting her first golden statuette, Zoe Saldana appeared to take a subtle dig at President Donald Trump ’s immigration policies, which got a standing ovation from the audience, including Selena Gomez.

Zoe Saldaña received her first Oscars

Saldaña received the award at the 2025 Oscars from Da'Vine Joy Randolph. With tears in her eyes, she exclaimed, “Mami! Mami! My mum is here. My whole family is here. I am overwhelmed by this honour. Thank you to the academy for recognising the quiet heroism and strength in a woman like Rita and for highlighting powerful women. To my fellow nominees, the love and community you have shared with me is a true gift, and I promise to pay it forward.”

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Zoe Saldana takes subtle jibe at Trump's immigration policies, Selena Gomez gives standing ovation

Zoe Saldana then shared her pride in being a “child of immigrant parents,” which seemed like a subtle critique of Trump’s immigration policies. During his presidential campaign and presidency, Trump had frequently promised to take strict measures against illegal immigration.

“My grandmother came to this country in 1961. I am a proud child of immigrant parents. With dreams and dignity and hard working hands,” Saldana stated. “And I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award. And I know I will not be the last.”

Saldana's speech received a standing ovation from Selena Gomez, who had recently expressed her emotions over the immigration crackdown in an Instagram video.