Zoe Saldaña Brings Her A-Game to ‘Emilia Pérez,’ a Top Contender for Best Picture

For almost two decades, Zoe Saldaña has been a leading figure in blockbuster cinema, gracing films like Avatar and Avengers: Endgame. Despite her remarkable success, opportunities to fully explore her talents have been scarce.

In Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez, Saldaña breaks free from this pattern, showcasing her abilities through dynamic singing and dancing, particularly in the electrifying number “El Mal.” This performance is a stark reminder of Hollywood’s missed chances to fully utilize her range, prompting a sense of frustration over why this depth is only emerging now.

I voiced these concerns to Julie Huntsinger, the executive director of Telluride, who assured me that such limitations are a thing of the past. Saldaña is poised to become a prominent figure in the Oscar race, potentially competing for awards as a lead or supporting actress. Her role in Emilia echoes Catherine Zeta-Jones’s Oscar-winning performance in Chicago (2002), suggesting Saldaña could follow a similar path this awards season.

However, the film’s accolades extend beyond Saldaña. Audiard, acclaimed as the “French Martin Scorsese,” received the Silver Medallion Tribute at Telluride, highlighting Netflix’s push for his long-deserved Oscar nomination. Despite his two Palme d’Or wins, Audiard has yet to secure an Academy Award nomination, but this year might change that with potential nods for best picture, director, or screenplay.

The film’s cast includes Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz, with all four actors sharing the best actress prize at Cannes. Gascón aims to be the first trans woman nominated for best actress, while Gomez’s performance and festival presence could enhance her chances. The supporting actress category has often included multiple nominees from the same film, potentially boosting Gomez’s prospects.

With numerous musical contenders this year, including Better Man and Wicked, Emilia Pérez stands out. Netflix is fully invested in the film, aiming for a best picture win. The film is also vying for a spot as France’s official entry in the international feature category, hoping to end a 30-year drought of Oscar wins for French cinema. As the festival progresses, the film’s reception will determine its trajectory toward the 97th Academy Awards.