5 best Zoe Saldaña movies to watch if you loved her in Emilia Pérez
On January 5, 2025, Zoe Saldaña won her first ever Golden Globes Award for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for her portrayal of Rita in the musical dramedy Emilia Pérez. Directed by Jacques Audiard, the film follows the story of a notorious Mexican cartel boss, played by Karla Sofía Gascón, who undergoes gender reassignment surgery to evade the law.
Saldaña shines as a no-nonsense lawyer navigating the chaos with moments of quiet introspection. For those hooked on Saldaña's commanding presence as Rita, her other hits are unmissable. Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Colombiana showcase her range from intergalactic hero to gritty assassin. Here are five other movies featuring Saldaña for those who liked her in Emilia Pérez.
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Guardians of the Galaxy, Avatar, and 3 other films starring Zoe Saldaña to watch if you liked her in Emilia Pérez
1) Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Zoe Saldaña portrays Gamora in the Guardians of the Galaxy series, developing the character as both a warrior and a complex individual. In the first film, Saldaña depicts the green-skinned assassin's internal conflict with her past through a measured balance of physical presence and emotional depth.
Her interactions with the ensemble cast, including Chris Pratt as Star-Lord and Dave Bautista as Drax, contribute significantly to the team dynamics throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, the scenes between Gamora and her sister Nebula (Karen Gillan) delve into their complex relationship. This demonstrates Saldaña's capacity for conveying nuanced emotional states through subtle performance choices.
For audiences familiar with Saldaña's work in Emilia Pérez, the Guardians of the Galaxy films present another instance of her characteristic approach, particularly in how she balances physical performance with emotional storytelling. Her minimalist approach to dialogue delivery serves the character's development across the series. The films provide an additional example of her method of character interpretation within an ensemble cast structure.
Where to watch: Disney+
2) Avatar (2009)
In the Avatar series, Zoe Saldaña's portrayal of Neytiri, a Na'vi warrior, demonstrates her ability to convey character through non-verbal performance. As Neytiri, she presents the character's connection to Pandora through physical movements and interactions with the digital environment. Her scenes with Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) provide a central relationship that connects the audience to the film's extensive visual effects.
The performance combines elements of physical combat sequences with quieter character moments. Saldaña's interpretation of Neytiri's protective instincts, tribal loyalty, and personal conflicts contributes to the character's development. The motion capture technology translates her performance into a digital character, maintaining consistent behavioral patterns and mannerisms throughout the narrative.
In Avatar: The Way of Water, her performance expands to incorporate maternal themes and tribal leadership responsibilities. For fans of Zoe Saldaña's work in Emilia Pérez, the Avatar series presents another example of her approach to character development through both action sequences and dramatic scenes.
Where to watch: Disney+
3) Colombiana (2011)
In Colombiana, Zoe Saldaña portrays Cataleya, an assassin pursuing those responsible for her parents' murder. The role combines elements of action and character study, presenting a protagonist motivated by revenge while processing trauma. The character operates as both a professional killer and an individual grappling with personal loss.
Saldaña's performance alternates between scenes of tactical precision and moments of emotional conflict. The interpretation adds dimension to what could have been a conventional action role. The fight sequences demonstrate technical preparation, while the character development scenes examine the psychological impact of choosing a life of revenge.
A pivotal scene involves the character's decision between pursuing a romantic relationship or maintaining focus on her mission, illustrating the broader themes of the film. Saldaña's approach to the role incorporates both physical performance and dramatic elements.
For audiences who enjoyed her work in Emilia Pérez, Colombiana provides another example of how action and character development can be integrated. The film extends beyond typical revenge narrative conventions through its examination of long-term psychological consequences and personal choices.
Where to watch: Prime Video
4) Nina (2016)
In Nina, Zoe Saldaña plays jazz musician and civil rights advocate Nina Simone, highlighting the artist's later life. The movie explores Simone's connection to fame, her activism in politics, and the personal struggles that impacted her work. While the casting and creative choices generated public discourse, Saldaña's performance attempts to capture multiple aspects of Simone's persona.
The role requires Saldaña to interpret both Simone's stage presence and private struggles. The performance encompasses musical sequences at the piano and dramatic scenes exploring the artist's personal life. One notable scene involves a confrontation with her manager, which illustrates the intersecting pressures of Simone's professional and personal life.
For viewers impressed with Zoe Saldaña's work in Emilia Pérez, Nina presents a different aspect of her dramatic range through the portrayal of a historical figure. The performance involves the interpretation of both public and private moments in Simone's life. The film represents an attempt to examine the complexities of a significant cultural figure, with Saldaña's portrayal addressing both the artistic and personal aspects of Simone's character.
Where to watch: Prime Video
5) Drumline (2002)
In Drumline, Zoe Saldaña portrays Laila, a supporting character in this narrative about collegiate marching band competition. As the romantic interest to Nick Cannon's Devon, her role provides context to the protagonist's development while exploring themes of academic and personal growth. The character functions as a counterpoint to the film's primary focus on musical competition.
Laila is presented as a student with clear academic goals who serves as both a companion and critic to Devon's character arc. Saldaña's scenes with Cannon establish the relationship dynamics that parallel the main narrative. The performance includes both lighter romantic elements and more serious discussions about personal aspirations.
A notable scene involves a conversation about maintaining perspective amid competitive pressure, demonstrating the character's role in the broader narrative.
Viewers familiar with Zoe Saldaña's recent work in Emilia Pérez may note the contrast in this earlier role. Drumline represents one of Saldaña's formative screen performances, demonstrating her early work across multiple genres, including romantic comedy and drama. The role establishes elements of character interpretation that would develop throughout her career.
Where to watch: Prime Video
Interested viewers can stream Emilia Pérez on Netflix.
