Zoe Saldaña Wins BAFTA Amid Speech Controversy

At the 2025 BAFTAs, Zoe Saldaña won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in 'Emilia Pérez' and delivered a heartfelt yet controversial acceptance speech. Overcome with emotion, she dedicated her award to her trans nephew, Eli, and expressed gratitude to her cast and crew, while humorously reflecting on her struggles with a British accent. However, her speech garnered mixed reactions due to her use of expletives when faced with a countdown timer, leading to her being cut off and escorted off stage. Despite the controversy, 'Emilia Pérez,' directed by Jacques Audiard, was recognized for its portrayal of transgender themes, winning two BAFTAs including Best Film Not in the English Language. The film's success has ignited discussions on representation in cinema. Saldaña's win was part of a memorable night at the BAFTAs, with other films like 'Conclave' and 'The Brutalist' also securing multiple top honors.