President Luis Abinader, accompanied by Vice President Raquel Peña and First Lady Raquel Arbaje, presented acclaimed actress Zoe Saldaña with the Heraldic Order of Christopher Columbus in the Grade of Commander on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, a day after she had won the Gran Soberano during the Soberano Awards. The Soberano Awards are the annual entertainment industry awards.
The presidential honor recognizes Saldaña’s remarkable achievements in the film industry and her significant role in elevating Dominican culture on the global stage.
The ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace’s Hall of the Caryatids. She was accompanied by her husband Marco Perego, her mother, Asalia Nazario, and her stepfather, Dagoberto Galán.
President Abinader, who conferred the award via Decree No. 165-25, expressed immense national pride in Saldaña’s accomplishments. “Zoe is a shining example of what Dominicans can achieve,” President Abinader declared. “Dear Zoe, you have reached extraordinary heights in international cinema. We are immensely proud of your success, as with each achievement, you honor your origins and elevate the name of our people.”
In her acceptance speech, Saldaña expressed gratitude for the honor and reaffirmed her deep affection for her family’s homeland. “This recognition is an honor, a dream come true. I did not expect this,” she stated.
The actress credited her move to the Dominican Republic after her father’s passing as a healing experience, allowing her to connect with her family. “That’s why I raise my children with Dominican values. It is a great honor to represent this country.”
“Receiving this distinction is an honor, a privilege. I have always carried my Dominican heritage with me and will continue to represent it with pride in every project I undertake,” Saldaña affirmed.
Also attending was Minister of Culture Roberto Salcedo, Minister of the Presidency Jose Ignacio Paliza, Administrative Minister of the Presidency, Andrés Bautista; legal advisor to the Executive Branch, Antoliano Peralta; Ambassador and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Dominican Communities Abroad, Celinés Toribio; and the director of the Film Agency, Mariana Vargas Gurilieva.
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Presidency
Zoe Saldaña
31 March 2025