Zoe Saldaña’s 2026 Oscars appearance as a presenter, wearing a bold Saint Laurent gown, marks a triumphant return following her Best Supporting Actress win for Emilia Pérez—a role she describes as a career rebirth, cementing her status as both a fashion icon and versatile performer.
Last year, Zoe Saldaña made history by winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her transformative performance in Emilia Pérez. Tonight, she returned to the Oscars stage not as a nominee but as one of the telecast’s appointed presenters, and her fashion choice immediately commanded attention. Saldaña stepped onto the red carpet in a daring lingerie-inspired gown from Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, a silhouette that blends boldness with elegance and echoes the fearless vulnerability she brought to her award-winning role.
The Deeper Meaning Behind the Gown
This isn’t merely a red carpet look; it’s a visual statement. The lingerie-inspired design—characterized by delicate straps, sheer panels, and a sleek silhouette—represents a continuation of Saldaña’s recent fashion narrative. During the 2025 ceremony, she wore a custom Saint Laurent gown with a strapless neckline and tiered bubble-hem skirt, paired with transparent black opera gloves. Her consistent partnership with the house signals a powerful alliance between an actress at the peak of her career and a brand that champions modern, unapologetic femininity. For Saldaña, fashion has become another canvas for artistic expression, mirroring her willingness to take creative risks on screen.
Emilia Pérez: The Role That Redefined Her Career
Saldaña’s Oscar win for Emilia Pérez was a watershed moment, earning her first Academy Award after decades in film. The Netflix original film allowed her to showcase a range far removed from her blockbuster roles in Avatar and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Reflecting on the experience, she told Netflix’s Tudum, “It was rejuvenating. It was a rebirth. Getting this opportunity to go back to who I truly believe myself to be, it just felt like I was right at home.” This sentiment of artistic homecoming resonates deeply with fans who have followed her evolution from early roles in Center Stage to leading franchises. The film’s success on Netflix, where it remains available to stream, introduced her to a new generation of viewers and solidified her versatility according to Elle.
A Legacy Built on Fearless Choices
Saldaña’s career spans over two decades, but her recent trajectory has been particularly striking. After establishing herself as an action star through franchises like Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy, she deliberately pivoted to character-driven dramas, with Emilia Pérez standing as the crowning achievement. This willingness to embrace both commercial and artistic projects has endeared her to a broad fanbase. Outside awards season, she continues to deliver fashion moments that balance sophistication with edge—like a chic grey shirt and skirt set she wore in New York City in December 2025, proving her style relevance year-round.
What’s Next for Zoe Saldaña?
With an Oscar now on her mantle, speculation about her next moves is inevitable. While no sequel to Emilia Pérez has been officially announced, fans are eager to see her take on more complex leading roles that challenge expectations. Her ability to seamlessly move between genres—from sci-fi epics to intimate musical dramas—suggests a career still very much in motion. As both a fashion risk-taker and a respected actor, Saldaña embodies a modern Hollywood icon who continually redefines herself.
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