Zoe Saldaña has had a prolific career in movies and TV, showcasing dynamic characters with compelling stories. After getting her movie breakout in Center Stage, she has gone on to be a part of massive franchises like Star Trek and Marvel. She has also been a part of smaller, independent dramas. Saldaña has had experience in live action, animation, and a combination of the two. In each of her roles, she showcases her ability to delve into what makes the characters she plays tick.
Saldaña frequently demonstrates her ability to play complex women who are worth rooting for. In some movies, like Star Trek Beyond, she highlights her ability to be a critical member of a team. In other movies, like Avatar, Saldaña emphasizes her ability to be a leader. Even when she is voicing a character, or portraying them from beyond a lot of make-up or CGI, Saldaña digs deep into her characters in each of her projects.
10
'Infinitely Polar Bear' (2014)
Directed by Maya Forbes
Image via Sony Pictures Classics
Infinitely Polar Bear follows the life of Cameron Stuart (Mark Ruffalo), a bipolar man trying to make sense of his diagnosis as he strives to hold his family together. Saldaña plays Cameron's wife, Maggie. This is a domestic drama about living with a relative suffering from a mental illness. Infinitely Polar Bear emphasizes the effects of mental illness on families and the importance of these relationships in the process of recovery.
Saldaña’s character in Infinitely Polar Bear is quite nuanced. She portrays a woman who has to deal with her husband's illness for years, and still has to hold her family together. Saldaña plays a better part as a woman supporting her family in any way possible. Saldaña’s character in Infinitely Polar Bear is vividly realistic, deeply flawed, but in her own way, tries to make the most of the circumstances she is faced with.
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Infinitely Polar Bear: In an effort to reunite his family, a father with bipolar disorder takes on the responsibility of caring for his two lively young daughters. As he navigates the challenges of parenting while managing his condition, the family's dynamic is tested in a series of heartfelt and humorous situations.
Release Date
June 19, 2016
Director
Maya Forbes
CastMark Ruffalo
, Zoe Saldana
, Imogene Wolodarsky
, Ashley Aufderheide
, Wallace Wolodarsky
, Keir Dullea
, Beth Dixon
, Georgia Lyman
, William Xifaras
, Mary O'Rourke
, Chris Papavasiliou
, Liam McNeill
, Mark S. Cartier
, Alicia Love
, Manoah Angelo
, Nekhebet Kum Juch
, Muriel Gould
, Paul Elias
, Uatchet Jin Juch
, Wendy Forbes
, Tod Randolph
Runtime
90 minutes
Main Genre
Drama
Character(s)
Cameron
, Maggie
, Amelia Stuart
, Faith Stuart
, Peter
, Murray Stuart
, Pauline Stuart
, Becca
, Bus Driver
, Receptionist
, Mr. Fabrini
, Young Man 1
, Maître d'
, Carol
, Thurgood
, Kim
, Gaga
, Dick
, Ali
, Maid
, Ruth-Ann
Writers
Maya Forbes
Studio
Tagline
Website
9
'Star Trek Beyond' (2016)
Directed by Justin Lin
Image via Paramount Pictures
Star Trek Beyond is the third movie in the Star Trek reboot series. The movie follows the crew of the USS Enterprise, which is led by Captain James T. Kirk (Chris Pine). Uhura (Saldaña), Spock (Zachary Quinto), Sulu (John Cho), Scottie (Simon Pegg) and Chekov (Anton Yelchin) each have to demonstrate their abilities to survive. When the Enterprise is destroyed, and the crew is left deserted, they have to work together to survive. Star Trek Beyond represents the end of a chapter for this crew as they contemplate their respective futures.
Saldaña's offers a fresh take on a beloved franchise character. In Star Trek Beyond, Saldaña pays tribute to Nichelle Nichols' portrayal of the original character while adding her own spin. Saldaña builds on the original character, and adds greater depth to Uhura by making her an even more active leader in the team. Additionally, Saldaña's version of Uhura highlights what a key member of the team this character has always been.
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Star Trek Beyond
The crew of the USS Enterprise explores the furthest reaches of uncharted space, where they encounter a new ruthless enemy, who puts them, and everything the Federation stands for, to the test.
Release Date
July 22, 2016
Runtime
122 minutes
Studio
Paramount Pictures
Franchise
Star Trek
Prequel
Star Trek; Star Trek Into Darkness
Cinematographer
Stephen F. Windon
Budget
$185 million
8
'Drumline' (2002)
Directed by Charles Stone III
Image via 20th Century Studios
Drumline follows Devon Miles (Nick Cannon), a recent high school graduate who becomes a part of A&T University's band. Along with his fellow bandmates, he learns the concept of "one band, one sound", which emphasizes how committed the team needs to be to teamwork to succeed. Devon meets Laila (Saldaña), a dancer. The movie mainly focuses on Devon's evolution over time. However, the love story is what brings everything together.
In Drumline, Saldaña shows her ability to be a star, even when playing a character in a supporting role. Drumline introduces Saldaña's character as someone who is clearly able to carry a story on her own. This is also an example of a role that gives Saldaña the chance to develop a compelling love story through her character. The only negative aspect of Saldaña's role in this movie is that she isn't given more screen time.
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Drumline
Release Date
December 13, 2002
Director
Charles Stone III
Runtime
108 Minutes
Main Genre
Drama
Character(s)
Devon Miles
, Laila
, Dr. Lee
, Sean Taylor
, Ernest
Writers
Tina Gordon Chism
, Shawn Schepps
Studio(s)
Fox 2000 Pictures
Distributor(s)
20th Century Fox
7
'Avatar' (2009)
Directed by James Cameron
Image via 20th Century Studios
Avatar is a sci-fi epic that combines live action and computer animation. The main story revolves around the Indigenous inhabitants of a distant moon known as the Na'vi. When American special forces invade this moon, former U.S. Marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) realizes how destructive his mission would be, he becomes an ally to the Na'vi as they try to protect their home. In particular, he is influenced by Neytiri (Saldaña), who teaches Jake about Na'vi culture, and emphasizes what they are fighting for.
Avatar is a venue for Saldaña to show how well she plays characters who are leaders. Neytiri is a warrior who will stop at nothing to protect her people and their home. Additionally, this character gives Saldaña the chance to show her ability to bring a highly stylized character to life. Even behind the CGI, Saldaña makes Neytiri shine. Ultimately, Saldaña presents a character who is the key to her planet's survival, which makes her compelling to follow.
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A paraplegic Marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home.
Release Date
December 18, 2009
Director
James Cameron
Runtime
162 minutes
Writers
James Cameron
Website
Franchise
Avatar
Characters By
James Cameron
Sequel
Avatar: The Way of Water
Cinematographer
Mauro Fiore
Producer
Jon Landau, James Cameron
Production Company
20th Century Fox, Lightstorm Entertainment, Ingenious Film Partners, Dune Entertainment
Sfx Supervisor
Joe Letteri
Budget
$237 Million
Studio(s)
20th Century Fox
, Lightstorm Entertainment
, Dune Entertainment
, Ingenious Film Partners
Distributor(s)
20th Century Fox
Franchise(s)
Avatar
6
'Center Stage' (2000)
Directed by Nicholas Hytner
Image via Columbia Pictures
Center Stage is a teen drama that follows students admitted to the fictional American Ballet Academy in New York City. The movie follows these dancers as they face the challenges that come with growing up against the often harsh backdrop of professional dance. As they prepare for professional careers, these students rely on each other to get through hard times. Center Stage features Saldaña in her feature film debut as Eva Rodríguez.
Center Stage is another example of a movie that sees Saldaña adding layers to a character. Underneath Eva's sarcasm and challenging of authority, it is clear there is a young woman who wants to prove herself in the world. Saldaña plays this character, who has a hunger for success, with love. Eva's journey within this story is one of the most compelling, since she clearly has to look inward and ask herself what she is willing to do to achieve success.
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Center Stage
Release Date
May 12, 2000
Director
Nicholas Hytner
CastAmanda Schull
, Zoe Saldana
, Peter Gallagher
, Ethan Stiefel
, Donna Murphy
, Debra Monk
, Sascha Radetsky
, Eion Bailey
, Megan Pepin
, Elizabeth Hubbard
, Shakiem Evans
, Ilia Kulik
, Priscilla Lopez
, Robert Montano
, Maryann Plunkett
, Stephen Stout
, Marcia Jean Kurtz
, Scottie Thompson
, Olga Merediz
, Lovette George
, Victor Anthony
, Lisa LeGuillou
, Nancy Hess
, Kirk Peterson
, Barbara Caruso
Runtime
115 minutes
Character(s)
Jody Sawyer
, Eva Rodríguez
, Jonathan Reeves
, Cooper
, Juliette
, Nancy
, Charlie
, Jim
, Anna
, Joan Miller
, Erik
, Sergei
, Jazz Class Teacher
, ABA Pas de Deux Class Teacher
, Mrs. Sawyer
, Mr. Sawyer
, Emily's Mother
, Ensemble
, ABA Receptionist
, Jazz Class Receptionist
, Thomas
, ABA Girl's Class Teacher
, Sergei's Salsa Partner
, ABA Boys' Class Teacher
, ABA Scout
Writers
Carol Heikkinen
Producers
Laurence Mark
5
'Avengers: Endgame' (2019)
Directed by Anthony Russo & Joe Russo
Image via Marvel Studios
Avengers: Endgame is the end of an era for Marvel. It is a final goodbye to characters and their stories, and the start of a new chapter for this franchise. After being killed in Avengers: Infinity War, Gamora (Saldaña) reprises her role as Gamora. However, this is more than a simple reunion for the Guardians of the Galaxy. The Gamora introduced in Avengers: Endgame is a different version of the character, from a different context.
Avengers: Endgame is another example of a movie where Saldaña shows her ability to stand out in an ensemble. She uses every moment of screentime to tell a heartfelt and ultimately heartbreaking story about Gamora. Avengers: Endgame is a chance for Saldaña to reinvent this character while showcasing everything that has made her so lovable since her introduction in this franchise. The movie ends on a hopeful note for Gamora.
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After the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War (2018), the universe is in ruins. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more in order to reverse Thanos' actions and restore balance to the universe.
Character(s)
Tony Stark / Iron Man
, Steve Rogers / Captain America
, Bruce Banner / Hulk
, Thor
, Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow
, Clint Barton / Hawkeye
, Thanos
, James Rhodes / War Machine
, Scott Lang / Ant-Man
, Doctor Strange
, T'Challa / Black Panther
, Carol Danvers / Captain Marvel
, Peter Parker / Spider-Man
, Nebula
, Gamora
, Hope Van Dyne / Wasp
, Valkyrie
, Frigga
, Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch
, Sam Wilson / Falcon
, Bucky Barnes / Winter Soldier
, Loki
, Okoye
, Wong
, Mantis
, Drax
, Shuri
, Howard Stark
, The Ancient One
, Happy Hogan
, Peggy Carter
, Jane Foster
, Aunt May
, Korg (voice)
Writers
Keith Giffen
, Stan Lee
, Larry Lieber
, Don Heck
, Jim Starlin
, Joe Simon
, Steve Englehart
, Jack Kirby
, Steve Gan
, Bill Mantlo
, Stephen McFeely
, Christopher Markus
Like Avengers: Endgame, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is the end of a chapter for beloved Marvel characters. However, this is a reintroduction to Gamora (Saldaña), who is adjusting to a new timeline. After spending time with the Ravagers, Gamora eventually reunites with her teammates, including Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), Drax (Dave Bautista), Nebula (Karen Gillan), Groot (Vin Diesel), Mantis (Pom Klementieff) and Rocket (Bradley Cooper).
Saldaña uses Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 to highlight everything that has made Gamora such a special character. What makes Saldaña's performance as Gamora so compelling is the fact that she adds an emotional depth to this already complex character. In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Saldaña highlights Gamora's growth as a character. This movie highlights the journey Gamora has gone on, and Saldaña shows her vulnerability and strength.
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Still reeling from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill rallies his team to defend the universe and one of their own - a mission that could mean the end of the Guardians if not successful.
Missing Link is an animated adventure comedy that follows Sir Lionel Frost (Hugh Jackman), a man whose job is to find mythical creatures. Saldaña voices Adelina Fortnight, an adventurer in her own right. Adelina has her own reasons for resenting Lionel, and these are evident when they ultimately reconnect. Ultimately, Adelina and Lionel form a team to search for the Yeti in the Himalayas, and come to accept their mutual feelings.
In Missing Link, Saldaña highlights her ability to use her voice to create a compelling character. This is a character who exists in a time with few freedoms existing for women. Saldaña creates a fiercely independent character who knows exactly how talented she is. It is charming to watch Adelina not only lean into her own identity, but bond with her teammates. Saldaña makes Adelina relatable by making her a thrill seeker who is also open to love and connection.
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Release Date
April 12, 2019
Director
Chris Butler
Runtime
93 Minutes
Writers
Chris Butler
Budget
100000000.0
Studio(s)
Laika
, Annapurna Pictures
IMDb ID
tt6348138
TMDB User Rating
7
.0
2
'Premium' (2006)
Directed by Pete Chatmon
Image via CodeBlack Entertainment
Premium is a romantic comedy that follows Ayanna (Saldaña), a woman trying to build her future. She has a complicated relationship with her former boyfriend, Tayo (Hill Harper). As Ayanna continues to make a life for herself, she struggles when Tayo reappears after leaving her. Ayanna and Tayo both have to confront unresolved feelings for one another. Premium is a story about how lost love can illicit strong, life-changing emotions.
Saldaña's performance in Premium is another example of her ability to channel characters' emotions to tell a magnetic story. She is able to use her character's tumultuous former relationship to demonstrate growth. Over time, it is clear that Ayanna learned not only to forgive, but to acknowledge her own needs. Ayanna is another relatable character played by Saldaña, because she experienced such a life-changing relationship that impacted her long after it ended.
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Premium
Release Date
January 2, 2006
Director
Pete Chatmon
Runtime
97 minutes
Character(s)
Cool
, Charli
, Ed
, Phil
, Cole Carter
, Austin Price
, Jayme
, Farrah
Emilia Pérezis a musical that follows the lives of women in Mexico. Saldaña plays Rita Mora Castro, a lawyer who finds herself in a rut in a dead-end job. When she meets a kingpin looking to undergo gender-affirming surgery, she begins a new chapter of her career. Over the years, Rita's life is changed by this decision, for better and worse. Karla Sofía Gascón and Selena Gomez star in this drama about women finding themselves and coming into their own.
Saldaña's performance in Emilia Pérezis one of many great ones. Even when the stakes around Rita feel larger-than-life, Saldaña always presents a grounded character. Watching Rita find her voice is one of the most compelling journeys in Emilia Pérez. This movie is an example of Saldaña being able to play a character who is not always the most sympathetic. Even so, Rita is ultimately worth rooting for.
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Emilia Pérez follows Rita, an underestimated lawyer working at a prominent law firm focused on freeing criminals rather than pursuing justice. She is recruited by the leader of a criminal organization, prompting a complex journey that challenges her principles as she navigates the morally ambiguous world of her new employer.
Release Date
November 13, 2024
Director
Jacques Audiard
Cast
Karla Sofía Gascón
, Zoe Saldana
, Selena Gomez
, Adriana Paz
, Edgar Ramirez
, Mark Ivanir
, Eduardo Aladro
, Emiliano Edmundo Hasan Jalil
, James Gerard
, Eric Geynes
, Agathe Bokja
, Chun-Ting Lin
, Stéphane Ly-Cuong
, Line Phé
, Pascal Toussirot
, Karla Lazo
Runtime
130 Minutes
Main Genre
Crime
Character(s)
Emilia / Manitas
, Rita
, Jessi
, Epifania
, Gustavo Brun
, Wasserman
, Berlinger
, Gabriel Mendoza
, London City Boy
, Thai nurse
, Medical Staff
, Thai Surgeon
Writers
Jacques Audiard
, Thomas Bidegain
, Léa Mysius
Budget
26885000.0
Studio(s)
Why Not Productions
, Saint Laurent
, Page 114
, Pathé
, France 2 Cinéma
, LPI Media
, Pimienta Films
, The Veterans
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