Zoe Saldaña has been in this business for a long, long time. So I think probably none of us realized what a big moment tonight might be for her. None of us, that is, except for Zoe Saldaña herself.
She was clearly excited, because she brought her mom to the Golden Globes – you might say, so does everyone.
Zoe Saldaña brings her mother to the #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/vHBDXoGIww
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) January 6, 2025
But honestly, awards shows can be long and boring, and Saldaña knows that. She wouldn’t bring her mom and have her suffer through being ‘handled’ and having people look over her shoulder, unless it was important for her mom to see her nominated for this project in particular….
Because Zoe Saldaña has been working for a LONG ASS TIME. Center Stage, of course, and the Avatar franchise, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Crossroads, for the love of God! Yes, Shonda Rhimes’ Crossroads!
For a certain era of moviegoer, she’s always been onscreen. But never acknowledged, even though she’s worked thousands of hours on camera:
Some of us have been waiting for Zoe Saldana to win a major acting award since she replaced the best goddamn dancer at the American Ballet Company in the big end of the year show #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/aEp1L1KGlL
— Eddie Mouradian (@eddie_mouradian) January 6, 2025
No matter how familiar a face she is, though, it’s suddenly so apparent. Not just that this hasn’t happened to her before – but that it matters. You can see it in her full speech, how the waves of it overwhelm her at times (the dyslexia comment in particular is so charming and vulnerable):
Your talent knows no bounds, Zoe Saldaña! Congratulations on winning Best Supporting Female Actor – Motion Picture at the #GoldenGlobes! pic.twitter.com/PCHqIqnUxf
— Golden Globes (@goldenglobes) January 6, 2025
There were viewers surprised at this level of emotion. “Doesn’t she know it’s only the Golden Globes?” But the thing is, ‘only’ the Golden Globes doesn’t exist for someone who has hoped to have one, wondered if someday they might. Nothing feels small about a moment like this when you thought you’d never have one, even if your name is in the biggest movies, it doesn’t make you the biggest. It can even make you feel invisible – no matter how many external markers of success there are.
Zoe’s speech was touching, endearing, reminding us not to be cynical. Then of course, who could understand a sentiment like this? Maybe a woman who’s a bigger deal, even more famous… and has been waiting for a moment like this for two decades longer… “This is the first time I’ve ever won something for acting” she says.
It’s Demi Moore! This woman is an icon! And this is the first time, and it feels inexplicable, especially since she’s got general goodwill around her, and that she makes fun moments like these feel like we’re in on the joke:
Margaret Qualley and Demi Moore recreate ‘The Substance’ on stage at the #GoldenGlobes.
— Pop Base (@PopBase) January 6, 2025
pic.twitter.com/qFaZW3RmC9
But what’s most amazing isn’t that she’s been under-recognized, or under-cast, until now. What’s most apparent is that even if you have a 45-year career and name recognition of the type most actors would kill for, even if you are considered an A-list name, winning an award of this type makes you feel seen and validated in a way that maybe you – a phenomenally beautiful cinematic icon for our entire lives – have been craving…
Demi Moore accepts her #GoldenGlobe: "Today I celebrate this as a marker of my wholeness and of the love that is driving me, and for the gift of doing something I love, and being reminded that I do belong." https://t.co/QUzDz2Lepj pic.twitter.com/CWCzDX2xOi
— Variety (@Variety) January 6, 2025
It would have been special for her to win this no matter what, but I love – I love – how calm and poised she is. She’s lived in imagining this moment – or in being convinced it wouldn’t happen – for so long there’s no surprise in it, she’s been ready to say these things, and it feels so satisfying. It also doesn’t hurt that she looks absolutely incredible. I mean, again, the woman is 62, and she’s Demi Moore. But even for Demi Moore, even in custom Armani Privé, she looks breathtaking!
I know this win points to a shakeup in the awards road, and I’m excited for it, but this moment on its own is something so special and definitive. Not just for Demi Moore, either: if you want to cry a whole lot, turn up the volume:
Watch Demi Moore's daughters celebrate her #GoldenGlobes win!https://t.co/PVCGziWQI9 pic.twitter.com/zJq0pQGqeq
— Good Morning America (@GMA) January 6, 2025
I’m not sure any subsequent wins will have speeches that feel just as immediate and necessary. But this was the one we needed to remind all of us cynics why we keep coming back here every time. Because results aren’t a given, and each time you think you know how it’s gonna go, we’re reminded that you can still be surprised.