2025 NAACP Image Awards: 5 Times Zoe Saldaña Showed Us She’s Really About That Action
When it comes to commanding the screen with intensity and presence, Zoe Saldaña is ready for action.
Whether she’s throwing punches, executing high-stakes missions, or leading rebellions across galaxies, the veteran Hollywood star has built a reputation for bringing action-packed roles to life with effortless power.
This year, she’s nominated for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series at the NAACP Image Awards 2025, joining a powerhouse lineup that includes Angela Bassett, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Queen Latifah, and Shanola Hampton.
From sci-fi epics to edge-of-your-seat thrillers, the actress has proven time and again that she’s a force to be reckoned with. So, to celebrate her nomination, check out five performances that prove Zoe Saldaña is always really about that action, and don’t forget to watch the NAACP Image Awards 2025 live on February 22 at 8 PM on BET.
Joe / Lioness
Zoe’s role in “Special Ops Lioness” is one of her most intense yet. As Joe, a high-ranking CIA officer running a covert program to infiltrate terrorist networks, she’s equal parts ruthless and calculated.
Nyota Uhura / Star Trek
The onscreen beauty's take on Uhura in the 2009 “Star Trek” reboot trilogy brought a refreshing feeling to the franchise. While she’s more of a strategist than a front-line fighter, she still has her fair share of action-packed moments—like stepping up in combat and navigating high-stakes intergalactic threats, proving that intelligence and quick thinking are just as crucial in an action role.
Gamora / Guardians of the Galaxy
Zoe took her action skills to space in the Marvel franchise “Guardians of the Galaxy” as Gamora. Whether she’s going toe-to-toe with Thanos or proving she’s more than just a weapon, Gamora is an absolute force.
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Aisha / The Losers
“The Losers” remains one of the most underrated action movies of the 2010s, and Zoe’s role as Aisha is a big reason why it deserves more love. She’s mysterious, dangerous, and more than capable of keeping up with the boys in this high-energy, gun-slinging spectacle.
Cataleya / Colombiana
As Cataleya, a woman on a lifelong mission to avenge her parents’ deaths, she gives us everything we want in an action hero in the film, “Colombiana.” From the now-iconic swimming pool assassination to her flawless hand-to-hand combat, she carried this film with an intensity that guaranteed replay value.
Watch the NAACP Image Awards live on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 8:00 pm ET/PT on BET.
