Zoe Saldaña won the Academy Award for best supporting actress for her performance in the Spanish-language musical “Emilia Pérez.” She plays Rita, a downtrodden Mexico City lawyer who decides to accept an offer to help Emilia Pérez, a drug cartel boss played by Karla Sofía Gascón, set up a new life after receiving gender-affirming surgery.

I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award. And I know I will not be the last,” the first-time winner said in her speech.

Dominicans are celebrating Zoe Saldaña’s Oscar win for best supporting actress for her role in “Emilia Pérez,” marking a moment of immense national pride.