Zoe Saldaña Wins SAG Award for ‘Emilia Pérez’: ‘I’m So Proud’ to Be in a Union Where I’m Not ‘Judged for How I Speak or What My Pronouns Are’

variety.com:

Zack Sharf Digital News Director Zoe Saldaña continued her awards season sweep for best supporting actress by taking home the SAG Award for her performance as Rita in “Emilia Pérez.” She has now was supporting actress prizes from all the major Oscar precursor awards: Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice, BAFTAs and SAG.

These wins make Saldaña the clear frontrunner to win the Academy Award for best supporting actress next month. “To be in this room…this is my community, this is my circus,” Saldaña said. “Thank you to SAG-AFTRA.

Igot my first SAG card in 1998. I didn’t even know what SAG was. I am grateful that my mother and father and sisters looked it up and helped me educate myself to know what it means to be a part of a union that protects me so I can make a living out of this crazy industry.” “I am proud to be a part of a union that allows me to be who I am.

I’ve never been questioned where I come from or judged for how I speak or what my pronouns are. Everyone has the right to be who they are. ‘Emilia Perez‘ is about truth and love and us actors really have to tell stories that are thought-provoking and beautiful and live within the spectrum of artistic freedom.” Saldaña was nominated at the SAG Awards alongside Monica Barbaro (“A Complete Unknown”), Jamie Lee Curtis (“The Last Showgirl”), Danielle Deadwyler (“The Piano Lesson”) and Ariana Grande (“Wicked”).