Zoe Saldana to Receive the Derek Malcolm Award for Innovation at London Critics' Circle

Zoe Saldana is set to receive the prestigious Derek Malcolm Award for Innovation at the upcoming London Critics' Circle event. The actress, known for her roles in Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy, becomes only the second person to receive this honor, following Colman Domingo. The award is named after the late film critic Derek Malcolm, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 91.

Saldana has been making waves in the industry, with her name frequently appearing among award nominations. Most recently, she received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Rita Mora in the film Emilia Pérez, further cementing her place as a leading talent in Hollywood.

In a statement released following the announcement of the award, Saldana expressed her gratitude to both the Critics' Circle and her fans. "I’m honoured and thrilled to receive the Derek Malcolm Award for Innovation from the London Film Critics’ Circle, a group I greatly admire and respect," she said.

She went on to reflect on the incredible year for women in film, adding, "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 twenty-five years has been a privilege, and to perform the role of Rita in Emilia Pérez has been the opportunity of a lifetime."

The actress is currently among the frontrunners for Best Supporting Actress at the London Critics’ Circle Awards, further highlighting her outstanding year in film.

In addition to her acting career, Saldana has also made her mark behind the scenes as a producer. She has been involved in producing several acclaimed projects, including Special Ops: Lioness and The Absence of Eden, showcasing her versatility in the industry.

Rich Cline, Chairperson of the London Critics' Circle, praised Saldana’s career, saying, "Critics have long been fans of Zoe Saldana’s ground-breaking work. From her astonishingly nuanced turns in genre pieces like Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy to her pioneering role producing complex female narratives. And in Emilia Pérez, she wowed us with a beautifully compelling, full-bodied performance from the heart."

Previously, Saldana earned the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her performance in Emilia Pérez, alongside co-stars Karla Sofia Gascon, Adriana Paz, and Selena Gomez.

With her impressive body of work, both in front of and behind the camera, Zoe Saldana’s recognition with the Derek Malcolm Award for Innovation is well-deserved, further solidifying her status as one of Hollywood's most talented and influential stars.