Zoe Saldaña’s BAFTA Speech Takes Unexpected Turn Amid Awards Excitement

LONDON, England — Zoe Saldaña‘s emotions ran high during her acceptance speech at the 2025 BAFTA Awards on Sunday night, as the actress quickly rushed the stage to collect the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in “Emilia Perez” at the Royal Festival Hall.

The 46-year-old star, visibly thrilled but anxious, inadvertently let slip a few expletives as she realized time was running out for her speech. “I was told not to cry by my children, so I’ll try,” she said as she began her remarks. Saldaña expressed her gratitude and the surprise of receiving the recognition, especially as she reflected on her experiences pursuing roles requiring a British accent. “…Even though I have a lot of British friends, I find myself repeating all their phrases, and I know that I’m a pain in the ass,” she added.

Saldaña referred to her role in the film as a “creative challenge of a lifetime” and dedicated her award to her nephew, Eli. “He is the reason — they are the reason — I signed up to do this film in the first place,” she said. “So as the proud aunt of a trans life, I will always stand with my community of trans people.”

As the countdown to her time ran out, Saldaña expressed her mounting panic, exclaiming, “Oh my God, I’m getting a countdown. F—k, f—k, f—k,” before being pulled off camera.

For the glamorous event, Saldaña wore a stunning strapless black Saint Laurent gown adorned with mesh detailing at the neckline. She completed her look with a large diamond necklace and rings. Her success at the BAFTAs comes on the heels of her first Golden Globe win last month for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in the same film.

Upon winning the Golden Globe, Saldaña shared her emotional journey and gratitude on stage. “I don’t have much time, and I have dyslexia, so I tend to forget when I’m really anxious and I’m filled with adrenaline, but my heart is full of gratitude,” she said. “Thank you so much to the Golden Globes for celebrating our film and honoring the women of ‘Emilia Pérez.'” She acknowledged and praised her fellow nominees, calling the experience of celebrating one another “so beautiful.”

Later that evening, Saldaña again showcased her enthusiasm when the film’s song, “El Mal,” won the award for Best Original Song. Without hesitation, she rushed the stage to present the trophy to composers Camille Dalmais and Clément Ducol. However, the moment turned awkward when presenter Jeff Goldblum snatched the trophy back from her and handed it to the rightful recipients.

The BAFTAs also highlighted the controversy surrounding fellow cast member Karla Sofía Gascón. While accepting the award for Best Film Not in the English Language, director Jacques Audiard mentioned Gascón despite her absence. Gascón has faced backlash due to resurfaced tweets which some have deemed “hateful” regarding sensitive social issues, including racial commentary.

In his remarks, Audiard praised the cast, stating, “Above all, I would like to thank all the wonderful artists who brought this film to life.” In reference to the criticism surrounding Gascón, he previously condemned her comments, calling them “inexcusable.”

Saldaña’s BAFTA win positions her and the film favorably as they approach the upcoming 2025 Oscars, where “Emilia Pérez” is nominated for several awards including Best Picture and Best Director for Audiard. Gascón remains at the center of media discussions, staunchly denying allegations of racism in a recent interview.