Zoe Saldaña is a celebrated actress and producer known for her versatility and commanding screen presence. With a career spanning over two decades, she has built an impressive filmography that includes some of the highest-grossing films of all time, including Avatar, Avatar: The Way of Water, and Avengers: Endgame. As the only actor in history to star in four films that have each surpassed $2 billion at the global box office, Saldaña has cemented her status as a powerhouse in Hollywood. Beyond her blockbuster success, she continues to take on bold and transformative roles, as seen in Emilia Pérez, a Spanish-language musical crime comedy that won the Jury Prize at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and earned her a Best Actress Award alongside the film’s female ensemble.

In addition to her on-screen achievements, Saldaña is a dedicated producer and storyteller. She executive produced and starred in The Absence of Eden, as well as Taylor Sheridan’s Lioness for Paramount+, through her production company Cinestar Pictures. Her ability to balance massive franchise films with compelling independent projects speaks to her artistic range and dedication to meaningful storytelling. In recognition of her contributions to cinema, she will receive the American Riviera Award at the 40th annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, honoring her career and her transformative performance as Rita Moro Castro in Emilia Pérez.