Zoe Saldana, the powerhouse actress best known for her iconic roles in Guardians of the Galaxy, Avatar, and Star Trek, is no stranger to using her platform to spark conversations. Whether it’s through her on-screen characters or her off-screen candor, she consistently challenges stereotypes, advocates for inclusion, and embraces authenticity.
And now, with her first-ever Academy Award in hand, Saldana has taken that commitment one step further—by introducing her Oscar as gender fluid.
“My Oscar is Gender Fluid”
At the Los Angeles premiere of her upcoming Disney-Pixar animated film Elio on June 10, the 46-year-old actress was asked a seemingly simple question: “Where do you keep your Oscar?”
Her reply? Anything but ordinary.
“We have it in my office, and my Oscar is gender fluid,” Saldana said with a smile.
She didn’t stop there. In a playful yet meaningful extension of that sentiment, she continued:
“It’s trans. It goes by they/them.”
The comment, reported by People magazine, may have been laced with humor, but it also underscores a deeper message—that traditional structures, even in something as iconic as the golden statuette, can be reimagined in modern, inclusive ways.
A Role That Mirrors Real-World Activism
Zoe Saldana’s Oscar win came for her supporting role in Emilia Perez, a powerful Spanish-language musical and crime drama. The film tells the story of Rita, a lawyer portrayed by Saldana, who helps a drug cartel leader undergo gender-affirming surgery in order to escape a violent and dangerous life.
The film, which co-stars Karla Sofía Gascón as the titular Emilia, touches on issues of gender identity, transformation, and redemption—themes that align with the very views Saldana expressed when referring to her Oscar’s fluid identity.
Saldana’s character is not just a legal adviser in the film but a symbol of compassion and understanding, aiding in one of the most transformative journeys a person can undertake. Her performance struck a chord with critics and audiences alike, leading to her long-overdue recognition by the Academy.
A New Kind of Acceptance Speech
Though Zoe didn’t dive into labels during her acceptance speech at the Oscars, her remarks in interviews since then have woven together art, activism, and identity in a way that’s refreshingly grounded.
By calling her Oscar “gender fluid” and referring to it as “they/them,” she cleverly dismantled the traditionally binary perception of awards (and success in general), offering a more open and accepting perspective. In doing so, she’s not only celebrating her own achievements but also creating space for others to feel seen, respected, and validated.
From Sci-Fi Queen to Cool Mom: The Elio Chapter
In addition to Emilia Perez, Saldana is also set to star in Elio, a Disney-Pixar animated feature centered on a young boy who mistakenly becomes Earth’s ambassador to aliens after being abducted by extra-terrestrials.
In the film, Zoe voices Olga Solis, Elio’s mother—adding a new role to her portfolio that her own children can finally relate to.
“Since becoming a parent, incorporating what I do—my art—into a genre that caters to children has always been a great interest to me,” she said in a recent Good Morning America interview.
And the mom of three is winning more than just awards these days—she’s winning over her sons.
“I get to relate to them, and I also get some mad cool points as a mom,” she added with a grin. “My 8-year-old cannot wait for Elio to come out.”
Saldana’s venture into kid-friendly content not only expands her already diverse career but also builds a bridge between her personal and professional lives, allowing her children to better understand her passion.
The Power of Playful Advocacy
Saldana’s choice to personify her Oscar as “gender fluid” might appear light-hearted on the surface, but it reflects a broader social shift toward recognizing and respecting diverse identities. In a world still grappling with how to discuss gender and representation, Zoe Saldana makes the conversation accessible, human, and free from judgment.
It’s also a clever way to turn the spotlight away from rigid definitions of success, appearance, and value. For an industry obsessed with labels—Best Actor, Best Actress, Leading Role—Saldana’s simple reframing of her award redefines not just the trophy but what it symbolizes.
Beyond the Red Carpet
Over the years, Zoe Saldana has become more than just a movie star. She’s emerged as a cultural force, speaking out about everything from racial identity and feminism to climate change and parenting. Her openness about being a “bleeding-heart liberal” is not a declaration of partisanship but rather an embrace of empathy, justice, and progress.
She doesn’t just want to be a part of groundbreaking stories—she wants to live by their messages. Whether it’s championing gender rights through her roles or making inclusive statements through interviews, Zoe is creating a Hollywood where voices from all spectrums can be heard and celebrated.
The Final Word
Zoe Saldana’s journey from action star to Oscar winner is inspiring in itself. But what makes her truly remarkable is her ability to infuse meaning into the moments that matter, even when they come disguised as red-carpet quips.
Her declaration that her Oscar is gender fluid might sound cheeky, but in a world still struggling with inclusion, even small statements can spark big change. By blending authenticity with advocacy, Zoe Saldana continues to lead—not just in front of the camera, but in culture itself.
In the end, Zoe Saldana isn’t just a woman with an Oscar—she’s a woman reimagining what the Oscar, and the industry around it, can stand for.
