Zoe Saldana won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress on Sunday (March 2) for her role as a Mexico City lawyer and fixer for a former drug lord in the crime drama and musical "Emilia Perez".

The win marked Saldana's first Oscar, following a string of victories at the Golden Globes, BAFTA, and SAG Awards this year for the same performance.

Overcome with emotion, Saldana broke down on stage, calling out "Mommy" to her mother in the audience.

"I am deeply honoured," she said through tears, expressing gratitude to her fellow nominees for their "love and sense of community," and vowing, "I will pay it forward."

She went on to praise the film's cast, crew, and everyone she has worked with, growing even more emotional when acknowledging her family.

"Every courageous, bold, and good thing I've ever done is because of you," she said, thanking her husband, his "gorgeous hair," and their three sons.

Reflecting on her heritage, she shared, "My grandmother immigrated to this country in 1961—I am a proud child of hardworking immigrant parents who came here with dreams and dignity."

"As the first American of Dominican descent to receive an Academy Award, I know I won't be the last."

Receiving recognition for a role where she was able to sing and speak in Spanish, she dedicated the award to her grandmother.

In "Emilia Perez", Saldana's character helps a drug lord fake his death and undergo gender-affirming surgery, transforming into Emilia Perez, played by Spain's Karla Sofía Gascón. In return, she receives a large sum of money.

The film also features Saldana performing the song "El Mal", in which she criticises the wealthy elite at a charity gala.

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Saldana has previously starred in some of the highest-grossing films of all time, including "Avatar" and "Guardians of the Galaxy", further cementing her place as one of Hollywood's most versatile and celebrated actresses.