‘She Is a Freaking…’: Avatar Director James Cameron Reacts to Zoe Saldaña’s Historic Oscar Win For Anora

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Zoe Saldaña’s Oscar win not only solidified her status as a Hollywood icon but also brought joy to one of her ardent fans – James Cameron. The director of Avatar expressed his delight over her triumph, highlighting that the Avatar team has long appreciated her as an exceptional global talent. Moreover, Cameron praised Saldaña’s emotional acceptance speech, in which she celebrated her immigrant heritage and became the first American of Dominican descent to win an Academy Award.

In her acceptance speech, Saldaña humbly declared her pride in her heritage, identifying herself as the “proud daughter of immigrant parents.” She gratefully acknowledged winning an award for a role where she could sing and speak in Spanish, dedicating the honor to her grandmother. “I know I won’t be the only one,” she continued, emphasizing the importance of her achievement for future generations of Latin American artists.

In Avatar (2009) and Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), Cameron has worked with Saldaña, frequently expressing his admiration for her abilities. After her Golden Globe award earlier this year, Saldaña disclosed that Cameron was one of the first to congratulate her, sending a message from New Zealand where he is currently editing Avatar: Fire and Ash. “Even after all these years,” she said, “he still believes in me.” This underscores the ongoing support and encouragement he has provided her.

In earlier discussions, Cameron expressed his view that Saldaña’s work in the Avatar franchise should receive more recognition within the industry. Speaking to Variety, he said, “I’ve collaborated with Academy Award-winning actors, and there’s nothing Zoe does that isn’t of equal caliber.” He also pointed out a potential bias against motion-capture performances, describing her as “a woman who can switch from regal to ferocious in an instant. She is like a lioness.

In her triumph after winning an Oscar, Cameron keeps promoting Saldaña’s accomplishments, emphasizing that Hollywood should acknowledge her exceptional and unmatched talent. With Avatar: Fire and Ash set to debut on December 18, her portrayal of Neytiri continues, demonstrating yet again why she is a formidable figure in the entertainment world.

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2025-03-04 11:22