For the first time in Oscars history, fiveLatino artists have been nominated in three of the major acting categories. Competing for the 2025 Academy Awards are Fernanda Torres and Karla Sofía Gascón for Best Actress, Colman Domingo for Best Actor, and Monica Barbaro and Zoe Saldaña for Best Supporting Actress for their roles in the films 'Emilia Pérez' and 'Sing Sing'.
This historic milestone is even more remarkable as it wasn't backed by a campaign advocating for representation, like the #OscarsSoWhite movement. Instead, it reflects the undeniable power of the performances by these four extraordinary artists, who moved Academy voters with their talent.
Additionally, the work of many more Latinos, such as Pedro Pascal, Lupita Nyong'o, Javier Bardem, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, Carlos Diehz, Pablo Larraín, Fede Álvarez, Isabella Merced, and the casts of 'Sing Sing' and 'Aun Estoy Aquí,' along with behind-the-scenes professionals, was celebrated by an Academy that, until recently, focused primarily on individuals of European descent.
Hispanic Actors in the Spotlight
Spanish actress Karla Sofía Gascón is also the first transgender actress to be nominated in a leading actress category, while Torres follows in her mother Fernanda Montenegro's footsteps. Montenegro remains the only Brazilian actress previously nominated.
Gascón's role as Manitas and Emilia Pérez has faced criticism in Latin America, not without reason. Netflix supported her with a highly targeted and costly campaign, but Hollywood's message of support for Latinos and the trans community is both timely and vital.
Meanwhile, Torres delivered a masterful performance, which already earned her a Golden Globe, in a film about resistance under a dictatorship.
These achievements leave a lasting mark on the history of cinema's most prestigious awards, making their competition a bittersweet yet pride-filled moment.
However, they are not the only ones who made history on the morning of January 23, 2025, at the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles.
Zoe Saldaña and Monica Barbaro are also competing in the Best Supporting Actress category. Both actresses, born in the United States to Latino roots, were recognized for portraying Latino characters, adding greater significance to their nominations.
Saldaña shines for her role as an outcast lawyer in *Emilia Pérez*. With Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage, this former ballet dancer has had an extraordinary journey in Hollywood. She is now not only an Oscar nominee for the first time but also the only person in the world to star in the three highest-grossing films in history: *Avatar*, *Guardians of the Galaxy*, and *The Avengers*.
Barbaro, whose grandmother was Mexican, earned her first nomination for playing Joan Baez in *A Complete Unknown*, a film about Bob Dylan's life.
A Crew of Prisoners
Colman Domingo identifies as Afro-Latino, despite having a distant relationship with his Guatemalan father. His Oscar nomination for his performance in *Sing Sing* surprised no one, especially after being named one of the MET Gala hosts this year.
*Sing Sing* was also nominated for Best Picture, a recognition that extends to many Latino actors who participated in the film, some of whom were wrongfully imprisoned.
Two Spanish-Language Songs
Although the Oscars announced they will not include live performances of nominated songs during the ceremony to focus on victims of the Los Angeles wildfires, music has already made history. For the first time, two Spanish-language songs are nominated.
Both tracks are from the *Emilia Pérez* soundtrack: "El Mal," performed by Zoe Saldaña, which already won a Golden Globe, and "Mi Camino," sung by Selena Gomez.
Other Latino-driven films recognized by the Academy include *Conclave*, where Mexican actor Carlos Diehz, based in Vancouver, shined as a twisted cardinal, and *Dune: Part Two*, featuring Javier Bardem's remarkable portrayal of a criminal-turned-religious fanatic.
Although Chilean director Pablo Larraín was not recognized for *Maria* (nor was Angelina Jolie, whose performance was disappointing), cinematographer Edward Lachman Jr. earned his second consecutive Oscar nomination (he was nominated in 2024 for *El Conde*). A director of photography is the director's right hand, so his achievement counts as a win for Latino talent.
Similarly, nominations for *Dune* and *Alien: Romulus* in Best Visual Effects reflect the contribution of Latino talent. Uruguayan filmmaker Fede Álvarez, who directed the 2024 *Alien* installment, deserved more recognition, but sci-fi films rarely receive serious awards consideration.
With nominations for *Gladiator II* and *Robot Salvaje* in technical categories, it's highly likely that Pedro Pascal will walk the red carpet, along with Édgar Ramírez and Adriana Paz (*Emilia Pérez*). Latino representation continues to grow, and we're definitely winning.
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