Selena among ‘heroes’ mentioned in Renée Zellwegger Oscars acceptance speech

The influence of late Latin music icon Selena Quintanilla can be seen in many of today’s singers and stars, including actress Renée Zellwegger.

The Texas native was honored with an Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 92nd Academy Awards on Sunday for her role in “Judy,” the film on the life of another icon, Judy Garland.

In her acceptance speech, Zellwegger spoke about her heroes including the “Queen of Cumbia” Selena.

“Our heroes united us…the best among us, who inspire us to find the best in ourselves,” said Zellwegger. “When we look to our heroes, we agree, and that matters. Neil Armstong, Sally Ride, Dolores Huerta, Venus and Serena and Selena, Bob Dylan, Scorsese, Fred Rogers, Harriet Tubman.”

Selena’s sister, Suzette Quintanilla, shared a video of the speech via social media with the caption, “Touching moment to hear my sister Selena’s name mentioned in a major moment for Rene Zellweger. Thank you for acknowledging her as Hero tonite at the Oscars.”

This year marks 25 years since Selena was shot and killed by her fan club president Yolanda Saldivar on March 31, 1995.

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