Zoe Saldaña Celebrates Gender Fluidity of Her Oscar, Embracing They/Them Pronouns

Oscar-winning actress Zoe Saldaña revealed in an interview with People Magazine that her Academy Award uses they/them pronouns, enhancing the conversation around gender representation in Hollywood.

During a Tuesday night event, Saldaña stated, “We have it in my office and my Oscar is gender-fluid,” reflecting her views on gender identity. She further expressed that she considers her prestigious statuette to embody a trans identity, showcasing how awards can symbolize broader societal changes.

Saldaña’s remarks come on the heels of her historic win for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the musical-drama film Emilia Pérez. This film has generated considerable discussion due to its plot, which centers on a Mexican cartel leader seeking a gender-transition operation as a means to escape a troubled past.

Breaking Ground in the Industry

The film Emilia Pérez is notable not only for its narrative but also for featuring Karla Sofía Gascón as the first openly transgender Oscar nominee for Best Actress. Although Gascón did not win the award, her nomination alone represents a significant step forward for transgender visibility in mainstream cinema.

Inspired by Personal Connections

Interestingly, Saldaña is not alone in perceiving awards through a lens of non-binary identity. Jamie Lee Curtis previously expressed similar sentiments concerning her own Oscar statuette. During an interview on the Today show, she referred to her award as they/them, a gesture honoring her transgender daughter, Ruby.

Curtis enthusiastically declared, “Here they are! In support of my daughter Ruby, I’m having them be a they/them,” while presenting her award during the interview, reinforcing the idea that awards can have personal significance beyond their physical form.

Advancements in Gender Representation

Curtis’s push for a de-gendered perspective on her Oscar was further emphasized in a subsequent interview on The View, where she elaborated on her intentions. She explained, “It lives in my house, I have de-gendered it. I have a trans daughter, and there is no genitalia on it, so it lives in my office. I put a googly eye for an homage to ‘Everything, Everywhere, All at Once’ and I added a they-them button to ensure anyone coming in understood its significance.

This approach exemplifies how personal stories and insights from public figures can help challenge traditional norms and promote inclusivity in cinema. As Saldaña and Curtis navigate their victories in Hollywood, they shine a light on the critical need to embrace diverse identities.

Reflecting Cultural Shifts in Hollywood

The conversations initiated by Saldaña and Curtis are reflective of broader societal changes regarding gender identity and representation in the media. As more artists share their experiences, audiences grow increasingly aware of the diverse identities that exist within the industry and beyond.

Films like Emilia Pérez push boundaries by incorporating storylines that address the complexities of gender and identity. Such narratives prove pivotal in shaping how society views gender fluidity, offering greater acceptance and understanding.

A New Era of Celebrity Activism

As more prominent figures speak openly about gender issues, it becomes clear that Hollywood’s landscape is changing. The personal sentiments of stars like Saldaña and Curtis exemplify the impact that high-profile individuals can have when they champion inclusivity and acceptance.

These discussions not only serve to advance the conversation around gender identity but also prompt individuals from all walks of life to reflect on their own understanding of gender. As cultural perceptions evolve, so too does the need for media to represent these changes accurately.

Embracing a Future of Inclusion

Saldaña’s declaration regarding her Oscar serves as a reminder of the progress made in the fight for recognition and representation. As audiences embrace stories of all identities, the film industry can build a more inclusive future.

In this new era, where artists use their platforms to advocate for change, the entertainment world transforms into a space that values diverse narratives. Saldaña’s and Curtis’s stories pave the way for future generations of artists, proving that awards can hold layers of meaning far beyond their physical appearance.

Ultimately, the dialogue surrounding gender identity within Hollywood offers a glimpse into a more accepting landscape, where everyone can find their place and share their stories without fear of prejudice.