At the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards, Zoe Saldaña made headlines with her emotional acceptance speech after winning the prestigious Best Supporting Actress award for her role in Emilia Pérez. The actress, known for her remarkable performances in blockbuster films like Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy, was visibly moved as she stepped onto the stage to accept the honor.
Saldaña dedicated the award to her nephew, Eli, and expressed her profound gratitude for the opportunity to be part of Emilia Pérez, a film that resonated with her on a personal level. The role had garnered widespread acclaim for her ability to portray complex emotions with depth and sensitivity, and Saldaña’s acceptance speech highlighted the passion she brought to the character. However, as she became overwhelmed with emotion, her speech took a more impassioned turn, leading to an unexpected moment during the live broadcast.
In her teary speech, Saldaña praised her co-stars and director, emphasizing the importance of community and collaboration in the filmmaking process. Her heartfelt words about her nephew, who is part of the trans community, particularly struck a chord with the audience. She described how proud she was to be able to represent marginalized voices through her work, which was a central theme in Emilia Pérez. However, in the heat of the moment, her emotions led her to use some strong language, expressing frustration and passion as she fought to hold back tears.
The BBC, broadcasting the ceremony live, swiftly censored Saldaña’s speech, cutting her comments just as she became more animated. The moment left viewers in a mix of emotions, with some expressing frustration that the network had cut off a genuine, raw expression of gratitude and passion. Others, however, defended the broadcaster’s decision to censor the comments, noting that it was standard practice to remove explicit language from live events. Nonetheless, the controversy added to the growing list of viral moments from the night.
Saldaña’s win at the BAFTAs was especially significant as it marked her first major acting accolade for Emilia Pérez, a performance that had also earned her a Golden Globe earlier that year. Her rise in recognition had been nothing short of meteoric, but it wasn’t without controversy. Earlier at the Golden Globe Awards, she made headlines for an unscripted moment when she rushed the stage during the Best Original Song presentation, trying to present the award herself. Some viewers felt this was an inappropriate move, but it showed the actress’s tendency to act on instinct, often pushing boundaries in her public appearances.
Despite these moments of unpredictability, Saldaña’s performance in both Emilia Pérez and El Mal was lauded by critics and fans alike. She demonstrated her versatility, capturing the audience with her emotional range and commitment to her roles. Her speech at the BAFTAs, though cut short by censorship, was a reminder of the profound connection she has with the stories she tells and the communities she champions. It showcased the power of vulnerability in Hollywood, even if some of it had to be silenced for the broadcast.
