Zoe Saldanya celebrates her historic Academy Award victory and uses her acceptance speech to express her pride in being an immigrant child.
“My grandmother came to this country in 1961,” Saldanya said when she accepted the award in the 97 Best Supporting Actress category.thSunday's annual Oscar in Los Angeles.
“I am a proud child of immigrant parents. With dreams, dignity and hardworking hands,” Saldanya, who won in her role in “Emilia Perez,” applauded loudly.
“I am the first Dominican American to embrace the Academy Awards and I know I will not be the last,” cried the 46-year-old performer born in New Jersey.
“I hope for the fact that I was awarded an award for roles that allow me to sing and speaking in Spanish. She would be very pleased if my grandmother was here.”
“This is for my grandmother,” Saldanya said.
