Zoe Saldaña Speaks Out on Avatar CGI Overlooked Roles

Zoe Saldaña voiced her disappointment about the lack of recognition for CGI performances in major award shows, particularly referencing her portrayal of Neytiri in James Cameron’s Avatar films. Speaking to The Independent, she discussed how actors' contributions in CGI-heavy roles are often overlooked by awards bodies.

Saldaña pointed out that traditional institutions are slow to embrace change, which makes it tough for new approaches to gain acceptance. She clarified that while she doesn't harbor resentment, it can be disheartening to invest so much effort into a role only to be ignored. “It's fine not to win or even get nominated, but being completely disregarded is a different thing,” she remarked.

In addressing critics who attribute her Avatar performance to the work of technicians, Saldaña confidently asserted, “I know the difference between the work I did and what others believe.” Nevertheless, she doesn’t let this lack of acknowledgment bother her too much. She reflected on her career, stating, "Eventually, you have to ask yourself: Why do I do this? Is it for validation, or because it’s what I truly love?"

Recently, Saldaña received her first-ever Golden Globe nomination for her role as a powerful lawyer, Rita, in the musical crime thriller Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard. The movie, which explores the transformation of a crime boss into a woman, has also positioned Saldaña as a potential Oscar nominee in the supporting actress category. She expressed how much the recognition meant to her, seeing it as the outcome of 25 years of persistent effort and growth.

Looking ahead, Saldaña is set to return for the third, fourth, and fifth Avatar sequels. She is also starring in Paramount+'s spy thriller series, Lioness.