Zoe Saldana credits her kids for her growth, a sentiment she shared in a heartfelt interview that’s resonating with fans worldwide. The 47-year-old actress, fresh off her Oscar win for Emilia Pérez and her starring role in Pixar’s Elio, opened up about how her three sons—twins Cy and Bowie, 10, and Zen, 8—shape her life beyond the glitz of Hollywood. In a recent conversation, she emphasized that her children keep her grounded, teaching her resilience and humility. This glimpse into her family life, paired with her recent professional triumphs, paints a picture of a star balancing blockbuster success with the joys and challenges of motherhood.
Motherhood as a Catalyst for Growth
Zoe Saldana credits her kids for her growth in ways that go beyond her celebrated career. Speaking with USA TODAY, she described how her sons keep her on her toes, pushing her to evolve daily. “They’re playing soccer right now,” she laughed, noting that scoring “cool mom points” with them feels more rewarding than her Oscar win. This candid reflection came during promotions for Elio, a Pixar film where she voices Tia Olga Solís, a role that mirrors her own experiences of family and sacrifice. Her sons joined her at the film’s Los Angeles premiere on June 10, 2025, stealing the spotlight on the red carpet.
Saldana’s approach to parenting is intentional. She and her husband, Marco Perego-Saldana, strive to integrate their professional and personal lives to shield their kids from the chaos of fame. “We don’t want them to see our work as something that takes us away,” she explained. This balance has taught her patience and adaptability, qualities she attributes to her growth as a person and an artist.
A Banner Year for Saldana
The past year has been monumental for Saldana. She clinched the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in Emilia Pérez, a Spanish-language French musical crime drama, on March 2, 2025. The win capped a triumphant awards season, with accolades from the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice Awards, BAFTAs, and Screen Actors Guild. Yet, despite the professional highs, Zoe Saldana credits her kids for her growth, emphasizing that their influence outweighs any trophy. She jokingly told reporters that her Oscar statue, which she playfully called “trans” and “they/them,” sits at home while her sons keep her busy with soccer games and school projects.
Her role in Elio, a sci-fi family film released on June 20, 2025, further showcases her versatility. Playing a former astronaut who puts her dreams on hold for her nephew, Saldana drew from her own experiences of loss—she lost her father at age 9—to bring depth to the character. The film’s themes of connection and resilience resonate with her personal journey, making it a project close to her heart.
Key Points Summary
- Oscar Win: Zoe Saldana won Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez in 2025, a career-defining moment.
- Family First: She credits her three sons for teaching her resilience, humility, and balance.
- Pixar’s Elio: Her role as Tia Olga Solís reflects her own experiences of family and sacrifice.
- Red Carpet Moments: Saldana’s sons joined her at the Elio premiere, highlighting her “cool mom” status.
Balancing Fame and Family
Zoe Saldana credits her kids for her growth, but she’s also candid about the challenges of fame. In a June 2025 interview, she shared that her sons are aware of her career but don’t fully grasp its scope. “I wish they had no idea I was an actress,” she admitted, reflecting on her desire to keep their lives normal. She and Marco, married since 2013, work hard to create a stable environment. Their approach includes bringing the boys to events like the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 12, 2025, where Saldana was honored with the American Riviera Award.
Her red carpet appearances, like the vibrant Saint Laurent look at Paris Fashion Week in March 2025, show her flair for style. Yet, she’s just as comfortable in soccer mom mode, cheering at her sons’ games. This duality—Hollywood star and devoted mom—defines her current chapter. She’s also exploring new creative avenues, with production credits on projects like Lioness and The Absence of Eden, proving her influence extends beyond acting.
A Grounded Superstar
Saldana’s ability to juggle blockbuster roles and family life makes her a relatable figure. Her emotional reaction to her Oscar win—where she “collapsed” afterward, craving a moment to “cry” at home—reveals her vulnerability. She’s not chasing fame but growth, a mindset shaped by her children. As she promotes Elio and reflects on her journey, Saldana remains a beacon of authenticity in a glossy industry.
Her story resonates because it’s real. Whether she’s navigating the red carpet or a soccer field, Zoe Saldana credits her kids for her growth, proving that even a global star finds her greatest lessons at home. Fans can’t wait to see what she does next, both onscreen and as a mom.
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