Academy Award-winning actress Zoe Saldaña has expressed that her Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in the film ‘Emilia Pérez’ identifies as ‘gender-fluid,’ using ‘they/them’ pronouns. This statement came during a recent interview with People Magazine, where Saldaña revealed that the statuette, which currently resides in her office, is described as a ‘trans’ entity.
Saldaña’s comments coincide with her recent cinematic triumph, as she won her first Academy Award for her performance in the controversial musical-drama ‘Emilia Pérez.’ The film, which dramatizes the life of a Mexican cartel leader undergoing gender-transition surgery to evade his criminal past, has been the subject of much discussion and controversy.
Her statement has sparked broader conversations about the evolving identity of cultural symbols and the role of art in reflecting societal transformations. This is not an isolated case; Jamie Lee Curtis, who won her first Oscar for her role in the critically acclaimed film ‘Everything, Everywhere, All at Once,’ is not the only artist to have redefined their Oscars. Curtis, a mother to a transgender daughter, had previously stated that her Oscar was ‘de-gendered’ in an interview with the ‘Today’ show in 2023. She described her statuette as a ‘they/th,em’ representation, emphasizing its lack of genitalia and adding a ‘they/them’ button for clarity.
Curtis further reiterated her stance during an appearance on ‘The View’ in 2024, explaining how she had ‘de-gendered’ her award. She noted that her Oscar now resides in her office, where it is a symbol of her support for her daughter’s identity. The move has been interpreted as a significant cultural shift, with artists taking a more personal and inclusive approach to their artistic accolades.
These statements reflect a broader trend in celebrity culture, where public figures are increasingly using their platforms to advocate for inclusivity and personal expression. While the act of redefining awards may seem whimsical or even symbolic, it underscores a deeper engagement with contemporary issues of gender, identity, and the role of art in shaping and reflecting societal values.
The trend, however, also highlights the intersection of personal expression and public recognition. As these actresses redefine their awards, they are not merely making statements about personal identity but are also engaging with the public sphere, encouraging others to consider the meanings and symbols associated with cultural artifacts.
In this context, the evolving nature of these awards can be seen as a reflection of the changing values and priorities of society. As such, their redefinition serves as an important cultural marker, indicating the increasing influence of personal identity in public and artistic spaces.