Washington [US]: Zoe Saldana, renowned for her iconic roles in Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy, will be honored with the prestigious Derek Malcolm Award for Innovation at the 45th London Critics’ Circle Film Awards. The ceremony, set to take place on February 2, 2025, will recognize her exceptional contributions to the film industry, making her the second recipient of this award, which was established in memory of the late critic Derek Malcolm, who passed away in August 2023.
Saldana expressed her gratitude upon receiving the award, saying, “I’m honored and thrilled to receive the Derek Malcolm Award for Innovation from the London Film Critics’ Circle, a group I greatly admire and respect. This has been a wonderful year for film with so many striking and indelible roles for women. To have had the opportunity to work in this industry for 25 years has been a privilege, and to perform the role of Rita in Emilia Perez has been the opportunity of a lifetime.”
In addition to this prestigious award, Saldana’s performance in Emilia Perez has earned her a nomination for Supporting Actress of the Year. She recently won the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress for her role in the same film, in which she starred alongside Karla Sofia Gascon, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz.
With a career spanning over two decades, Saldana began her rise to fame with her breakout role in Center Stage (2000). She has since starred in numerous films such as Out of the Furnace, Colombiana, and the miniseries Rosemary’s Baby. Beyond acting, Saldana has made a mark as a producer, championing diverse narratives and strong female characters in projects like the TV series Special Ops: Lioness and her film The Absence of Eden, which highlights trafficking across the US-Mexico border.
The 45th London Critics’ Circle Film Awards are hosted by the UK’s longest-standing critics’ organization, with more than 200 members voting for the honors.