Zoe Saldaña reveals James Cameron sent her sweet message after Golden Globes win: ‘He believes in me’

First-time Golden Globe winner triumphed in the Best Supporting Actress category for her role in ‘Emilia Pérez’

Zoe Saldaña has shared that her Avatar director, James Cameron, sent her a sweet note to celebrate her first Golden Globe win.

The 46-year-old actor, who starred in both of Cameron’s sci-fi epics, Avatar (2009) and Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), was awarded the trophy for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role, Motion Picture for her role in Netflix’s divisive crime musical Emilia Pérez.

Saldaña triumphed over her co-star Selena Gomez in the category, as well as Ariana Grande (Wicked), Felicity Jones (The Brutalist), Margaret Qualley (The Substance) and Isabella Rossellini (Conclave).

Following her victory at the January 5 ceremony, the Guardians of the Galaxy star spoke to reporters in the press room, revealing that while she was seated out in the audience, she received a text from Cameron, 70.

“I was sitting in the audience and I received a message from James Cameron, who’s somewhere in New Zealand right now, cutting Avatar: Fire and Ash. And he, after all these years, believes in me,” Saldaña said.

Elsewhere backstage, she was asked by reporters how it felt to finally be recognized for her successes.

“I feel an absolute joy. Joy because there’s a sense of presence. I’ve been in this industry for 25 years. From the moment I transitioned from being a dancer to an actor, I was in my late teens, early twenties, not knowing what was ahead of me,” Saldaña said.

Zoe Saldaña won her first Golden Globe for ‘Emilia Pérez’ (AFP via Getty Images)

“And what I have witnessed is I’ve always been employed. I’ve always had good human beings and amazing undeniable talent, undeniably talented filmmakers believe in me and bet on me, trust me. So this recognition is paramount for my continuation as an artist,” she continued.

“And there are no books. I’m happy. I’m just — I’m 46. There was a moment a couple of years ago where I was sort of thinking about plan Bs,” she added. “Like do I go into a homestead and start planting a garden and baking goods? But the truth is I’m an artist through and through and I need to create every day.”

That evening, Emilia Pérez went on to sweep in some of the top film categories, including Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language and Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

Helmed by French director Jacques Audiard, the drama follows a Mexican lawyer (Saldaña) who is hired to help a notorious cartel boss (Karla Sofía Gascón) retire and transition into living as a woman.

Saldaña’s co-star Sofía Gascón went on to make history as the first trans woman to win the award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.