Inside ZOE'S galaxy

With leading roles in films like blockbuster Avatar, Star Trek, and Marvel: Guardians of the Galaxy, Zoe Saldaña is one of the highest-grossing actresses of all time. Koketso Mashika explores the star's journey to greatness - and beyond.

- Koketso Mashika

I still remember the first time I was treated to a mesmerising Zoe Saldaña performance. Her portrayal of the blue-skinned, wide-eyed Neytiri in the 2009 James Cameron's groundbreaking (3D!) film, Avatar, was nothing short of extraordinary.

I Zoe expertly embodied the grace of the Na'vi warrior princess, and seamlessly blended into the world of motion-capture technology.

Thanks to innovative special effects and a riveting storyline, the highly anticipated film became a massive hit and Zoe delivered one of its most stellar performances.

I wasn't the only one paying attention to this talented beauty. Audiences and critics alike praised Zoe's performance, quickly making her a bona fide Hollywood star. In the same year, she debuted in another prominent role as Star Trek's Nyota Uhura. But her acting journey began much earlier, with an appearance in a 1999 episode of Law & Order. Her big break came when she was cast as the feisty dancer Eva Rodriguez in the 2000 film, Centre Stage.

Now, 14 years after the release of Avatar, the 45-year-old New Jersey-born actress continues to prove her incredible range and versatility. Recent popular works include the 2010 comedy, Death at a Funeral, the 2011 action-packed Colombiana, the 2016 Oscar-winning film, Nina in which she portrayed legendary singer Nina Simone. In 2022 it was the Netflix series, From Scratch, the highly-anticipated Avatar sequel, The Way of Water, and then 2023's Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.