March 3, 2025
Statement on Behalf of Brenda Victoria Castillo, President and CEO, National Hispanic Media Coalition, on 97th Academy Award Recipients
The National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) proudly acknowledges the excellence and cultural pride showcased at this year’s 97th Academy Awards. The evening highlighted outstanding achievements in film, with Latine entertainers and diverse stories taking center stage, marking significant firsts in the entertainment industry.
We extend our congratulations to Zoe Saldaña on her first Academy Award win in the category of Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in Emilia Pérez. Saldaña’s win is the first win by a Dominican-American actress at the Academy Awards, and in her acceptance speech she highlighted the journey that she and her family have lived by sharing: “My grandmother came to this country in 1961 — I am a proud child of immigrant parents…with dreams and dignity and hard-working hands, and I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award, and I know I will not be the last.” With Saldaña’s win, we are hopeful for the future of people of color taking up space and receiving praise at the Oscars and throughout all awards shows.
In the category of Best Costume Design, we celebrate Paul Tazewell on his historic Academy Award win for his exceptional work on Wicked. This milestone marks Tazewell's first Oscar victory and the first time a Black man has received the award in this category. His win paves the way for greater diversity and representation in the technical, and often overlooked, categories of filmmaking.
In a night filled with unforgettable moments, the 97th Academy Awards celebrated outstanding achievements, with El Mal from Emilia Pérez taking home the Oscar for Best Original Song, while the powerful Brazilian drama I’m Still Here made history as the first Brazilian film to win the Best International Feature award. In a powerful moment of unity, the Israeli-Palestinian documentary No Other Land won the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. Co-directors Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham used their acceptance speech to bridge political divides, calling on the urgent need for justice, peace, and hope.
This year’s Academy Awards nominations and wins underscored the growing recognition of diverse voices, reflecting audiences’ increasing demand for authentic stories. We look forward to further amplifying and celebrating the talents within our communities, fostering a more inclusive and equitable film industry.
Yours in the Movement,
Brenda Victoria Castillo
President & CEO
National Hispanic Media Coalition
