“He, after all these years, believes in me”: Zoe Saldaña Getting a Text From James Cameron Right After Golden Globes Win Is Why She Won’t Retire From ‘Avatar’

Zoe Saldaña recently reached a new milestone in her illustrious career, earning her first-ever Golden Globe for Emilia Pérez. During the pivotal moment, she expressed her gratitude to several important figures in her life, including her family, the cast and crew of Emilia Pérez, and the filmmakers who have supported her journey over the years.

Zoe Saldaña in Emilia Pérez | Credit: Pathé

Among those she acknowledged was Oscar-winning filmmaker James Cameron. Following the awards ceremony, Saldaña shared a heartfelt message she received from the Avatar director shortly after her remarkable win.

Zoe Saldaña wins her first-ever Golden Globe for Emilia Pérez

Premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Emilia Pérez has been one of the most talked about movies of the year, receiving widespread acclaim for its captivating story, thought-provoking themes, and outstanding performances by its cast.

Zoe Saldaña, who took on the role of lawyer Rita Mora Castro in the film, has earned critical praise for her performance, culminating in her first-ever Golden Globe win for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture.

A still from Emilia Pérez | Credit: Pathé

“I don’t have much time, and I have dyslexia, so I tend to forget when I’m really anxious and I’m filled with adrenaline, but my heart is full of gratitude,” she said in her acceptance speech. She further expressed gratitude for her co-star and the film’s director.

She said, as per Harper Bazaar,

This is the first time for me, and I’m just so blessed that I’m sharing this moment with Selena and Karla and Jacque and all of my fellow nominees. I’m in awe of you, your strength, your complexity, and your undeniable talent.

Directed by Jacques Audiard, Emilia Pérez was a major success at the 2025 Golden Globes, winning four awards out of its ten nominations, including Best Motion Picture, Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language, and Best Original Song.

Zoe Saldaña expressed gratitude for James Cameron’s unwavering support

Following her win, Zoe Saldaña also expressed her gratitude for the unwavering support of the acclaimed Hollywood filmmaker James Cameron. The actress has worked with Cameron in the blockbuster Avatar film series, where she embodies the lead role of Neytiri.

Zoe Saldaña in Avatar | Credit: 20th Century Studios

“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,” the actress shared in the press room following the ceremony.

She further noted how Cameron’s support has inspired her to grow as an artist. “And he, after all these years, believes in me. So that, to me, nourishes my desire to continue growing as an artist,” Saldaña said, as per Variety.

Having starred in the first two blockbuster installments of the Avatar franchise, Saldaña is set to return as Neytiri in the highly anticipated third film, Avatar: Fire and Ash, scheduled for release in December 2025.

James Cameron | Credit: Gage Skidmore/CC-BY-SA-2.0/Wikimedia Commons

Saldaña, known for starring in hit franchises such as the MCU and Avatar, has previously expressed feeling “artistically stuck” in such roles. Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard, offered her the opportunity to push her artistic boundaries and explore new creative dimensions.

However, her commitments to the Avatar franchise extend beyond the third installment, with Cameron already working on a fourth film. It appears likely that the Golden Globe-winning actress will continue her journey with the franchise in the years to come.

Emilia Pérez is available to watch on Netflix.

Avatar: Fire and Ash is set to release on December 19, 2025.