Zoe Saldaña feels the love!

The 46-year-old actress tells PEOPLE in an exclusive interview on Monday, December 9, that she spoke to several of her loved ones — including her husband of over 10 years, Marco Perego, and her mother, Asalia Nazario — after securing her first-ever Golden Globe had nabbed a nomination for her role as Rita in the musical thriller Emilia Perez.

“It feels really overwhelmingly beautiful,” Saldaña says of the honor. “I didn’t know how much I wanted it because I no longer thought it would ever happen to someone like me. I am truly having an out of body experience and my heart is full of gratitude. It feels good to be recognized for the hard work you put into something you believe in so much.

Nominations for the award were announced this morning. Jacques Audiard’s largely Spanish-language film led the film categories with 10 nominations, including best supporting actress in a motion picture – musical or comedy for Saldaña. The film also received nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Original Score and Best Original Song. Karla Sofía Gascón and Selena Gomez also received acting nominations, with Gomez landing in the same category as Saldaña.

The Avatar Alum, who is currently in Paris, says she immediately contacted her family when she received the good news. “I woke up my mother,” she says, laughing. “My husband was awake. He was definitely awake, so I connected with him first and foremost.”

She continues: “My whole team is awake in LA and in New York, cheering us on, cheering me on, cheering me on Emilia Perez. I have also connected with them and am also here with my team. I was surrounded by love and support.

Saldaña and Perego were first romantically linked in May 2023 and married in an intimate ceremony a few months later. They share three sons: twins Cy Aridio and Bowie Ezio, 10, and Zen Anton Hilario, 7.

The actress also called out her nominated co-stars, saying, “I left a message for Selena (Gomez), I left a message for Karla (Sofía Gascón) right away. I’m just so proud of us. I’m so proud of you.” You deserve all the accolades. They are so incredibly amazing in this film and such amazing people.

Ultimately, Saldaña says what’s “special” about her award is “representing someone that so many people can see themselves in.”

“I just know this is really special,” she continues. “That a girl from Queens, New York who looks like me can win and should only reach higher mountain peaks. Anyone can do it, anyone.”

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Emilia Perez – streaming on Netflix – follows high-powered lawyer Rita (Saldaña) as she helps a Mexican cartel leader (Gascón) fake his death and transformation into a woman.

In September, Saldaña told PEOPLE in an exclusive interview at the 2024 New York Film Festival that she and her co-stars formed a close bond during production.

“It’s wonderful,” she said of her casting. “To this day there is so much love and so much respect. We keep our fingers crossed for each other. We are happy for each other. We watch each other’s makeup and wardrobe.”

Saldaña continued, “You know, every time we were on the red carpet, we were so excited to be part of this project and to work with (director) Jacques Audiard that we seemed kind of childlike while filming.” Emilia.”

The 82nd Annual Golden Globes will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Sunday, January 5 at 8 p.m. ET.