Zoe Saldana is an acclaimed American actress known for her roles in major blockbuster films like Avatar, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Star Trek. In addition to her illustrious acting career, Saldana has also appeared in her fair share of commercials and brand endorsements over the years.
This article will provide a comprehensive overview of all the major commercials and advertising campaigns that Zoe Saldana has participated in throughout her career. We’ll look at the brands she has represented, the products she has promoted, and the impact of her endorsement deals.
Whether you’re a fan wanting to know more about Saldana’s work, a marketer looking for context on celebrity advertising, or just curious about all the commercials Zoe has been in, this article has you covered!
Zoe Saldana Commercials
Zoe Saldana has frequently appeared in major commercials and advertising campaigns for top brands like L’Oréal, Calvin Klein, and Intel. Her beauty and diversity have made her an in-demand celebrity spokesperson.
While most of Saldana’s ads have been well received, a 2016 L’Oréal anti-aging spot she starred in was banned in the UK for misleading claims. Overall, commercials have provided Saldana financial gain, wider exposure, industry connections, and a platform to promote causes, cementing her position as an A-list star.
Beauty and Fashion
One of the most common categories of commercials and brand partnerships for Zoe Saldana has been for beauty and fashion companies.
Some examples include:
- L’Oréal – Saldana has been a brand ambassador for L’Oréal since 2014, appearing in print and TV campaigns for products like hair color and cosmetics. She often represents their diversity and empowerment initiatives.
- Kay Jewelers – In 2008, Saldana was part of an ad campaign for Kay Jewelers with the tagline “Every Kiss Begins with Kay.”
- Gap – Saldana appeared in Gap campaigns in 2008 and 2009 promoting casual fashion.
- Calvin Klein – In 2010, Saldana was featured in Calvin Klein advertising for both fragrance and underwear lines.
- Rose Parade Fashion – She wore an outfit by designer Juan Carlos Obando in the 2010 Rose Parade, which was considered a promotional appearance.
Food and Beverage
Saldana has also lent her fame to ads for food and drink brands:
- Pirate’s Booty – She did a 2013 campaign for this snack brand highlighting their redesigned packaging.
- Belvoir Fruit Farms – The UK juice brand featured Saldana in a 2012 press and billboard campaign.
- Miller Lite – Saldana was in Miller Lite’s 2010 ad for their punch-top can, focusing on taste.
Technology
Some tech and telecom companies have used Saldana in advertising:
- Intel – She appeared in the 2014 “Look Inside” campaign by Intel showcasing their technology.
- O2 – Saldana was part of the UK phone network’s 2012 ad campaign around loyalty.
- Vivara – The Brazilian jewelry and tech brand had Saldana appear in their 2020 campaigns.
Automotive
- Fiat – Saldana was a brand ambassador for Fiat in 2013 and appeared in print ads for their cars.
- Jaguar – In 2011, she was featured in Jaguar’s campaign for their XJ model luxury vehicles.
Retailers
- Target – Saldana appeared in Target’s 2015 Heroes & Heart campaign supporting veterans.
- Barneys New York – She was part of Barneys’ 2007 holiday campaign tied to the launch of her film The Terminal.
Non-Profits and Causes
- Ad Council – Saldana has made PSAs with the Ad Council for initiatives like diversity, vaccines, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- FINCA – She appeared in campaigns supporting FINCA’s mission of providing financial services to poverty-stricken communities.
- Starkey Hearing Foundation – Saldana promoted the foundation’s work giving hearing aids to those in need in a 2013 PSA.
What TV Commercials Has Zoe Saldana Been In?
In addition to print ads and brand sponsorships, Zoe Saldana has appeared in a number of television commercials as well. Here are some of the major TV ads she has starred in:
L’Oréal TV Commercials
As a long-time spokesperson for L’Oréal, Saldana has been featured in many of their television ads. These include:
- A 2014 ad for L’Oréal’s True Match foundation
- A holiday campaign for Colour Riche lipstick in 2015
- A 2016 commercial for the Voluminous mascara range
- Advertisements for L’Oréal’s anti-aging skincare and Revitalift products in 2018
She often appears alongside other L’Oréal brand ambassadors like Jane Fonda, Helen Mirren, and Eva Longoria in these ads. The slogan “Because You’re Worth It” is frequently used.
Calvin Klein Underwear Commercial
In 2010, Saldana was featured in a steamy, 30-second television commercial for Calvin Klein underwear. It was part of the brand’s provocative ad campaigns of that era.
Miller Lite Commercial
Saldana appeared in a 2010 Miller Lite ad showcasing their new punch-top can opening. In the commercial, she is shown recreating a scene from Avatar while enjoying a Miller Lite.
Target Holiday Ad
In 2015, Saldana starred in a Target Christmas ad that featured uplifting scenes of friends, families, and loved ones coming together during the holidays. Her voiceover emphasized the joy of the season.
Ad Council COVID-19 PSA
Saldana was part of an Ad Council commercial in 2020 focused on practicing social distancing, mask wearing, and preventing the spread of COVID-19. The slogan was “Alone Together.”
Rose Parade Fashion
While not for a commercial product, Saldana’s 2010 Rose Parade appearance in Juan Carlos Obando designs was essentially a promotional ad in itself.
Intel “Look Inside”
Saldana appeared in Intel’s 2014 Super Bowl pre-game ad highlighting their technology enabling athletic performance monitoring and improvement.
How Has Zoe Saldana’s Advertising Work Impacted Her Career?
Zoe Saldana’s brand ambassador and advertising roles seem to have provided a number of benefits for furthering her acting career and fame:
- Expanded reach and profile – Appearing in major national ad campaigns has given Saldana exposure to wider audiences beyond just film and TV fans. This builds her overall visibility and name recognition.
- Diversity – As a woman of color, Saldana’s work with brands focusing on diversity and empowerment has allowed her to highlight important social issues and be a role model. This strengthens her broader appeal.
- Credibility – The endorsement of major brands like L’Oréal and Calvin Klein lends Saldana credibility and prestige as a celebrity spokesperson. This increases her stature and influence.
- Compensation – Saldana likely earns significant income from her various advertising deals, providing financial security between acting roles and freedom to be selective in film/TV projects.
- Connections – Relationships with ad agencies and marketers give Saldana useful media industry contacts for continuing to build her career. Her advertising work keeps her linked into these important networks.
So while Saldana is primarily known for acclaimed film roles, her commercial work has been an important complementary factor in further establishing her as a preeminent Hollywood star and public figure. The advertising deals provide visibility, credibility, connections, and income.
Notable Quotes and Info About Zoe Saldana’s Advertising Career:
Here are some relevant quotes and additional information providing perspective on Zoe Saldana’s history in advertising and brand partnerships:
- “For me to be a brand ambassador feels more organic because I get to meet incredible people that otherwise I wouldn’t have met who represent the brand.” – Saldana on preferring brand ambassador roles over traditional advertising.
- Saldana has said her standards are very high when choosing the brands she represents, focusing on companies with value aligned missions vs just money.
- She has negotiated advertising deals herself without an agent, sometimes getting the initial contact simply through her publicist.
- Saldana represented her first major brand, Calvin Klein, in 2010 shortly after her breakout films Star Trek and Avatar.
- She reportedly earned over $3 million from her multi-year endorsement deal with L’Oréal.
- Saldana’s advertising rate was estimated at $250,000 – $500,000 per brand campaign as of 2014.
- She has described being initially hesitant about doing commercials but realizing their benefits for her career.
- Saldana represented five major brands in 2013, making her one of the most in-demand celebrity spokespeople that year.
- Her ads reach estimated audiences of 30-40 million in the US alone.
Controversies Related to Zoe Saldana’s Advertising Career
While most of Zoe Saldana’s advertising work has been well received, there has been some controversy related to a few campaigns:
2016 L’Oréal Ad Banned
In 2016, a commercial Saldana appeared in for L’Oréal anti-aging products was banned by UK’s Advertising Standards Authority. The ad was deemed misleading, overly exaggerating the effects the products could achieve.
Saldana and L’Oréal faced criticism that the poorly substantiated claims and retouching in the ad took advantage of women’s insecurities. While Saldana wasn’t directly responsible for the banned content, it was a controversy tied to her advertising work.
L’Oréal was required to modify the commercial before running it again. Saldana continued as a brand ambassador but L’Oréal had to be more careful about claims in future ads with her.
Fiat Print Ad Concerns
Some Italian-American groups criticized a 2013 Fiat print ad featuring Saldana for reinforcing ethnic stereotypes. She was posed provocatively while eating Italian food.
While not banned, the ad generated negative press tied to Saldana’s endorsement. It highlighted the need for brands to avoid insensitive portrayals in campaigns.
Luxury Brand Backlash
There has been some backlash against Saldana promoting upscale fashion and jewelry brands like Calvin Klein and Kay Jewelers, as these companies are accused of harming women’s body image and exploiting labor.
Critics say Saldana should avoid partnering with brands engaged in questionable ethics. But limiting advertisers may be difficult without sacrificing lucrative deals.
While Saldana has deservedly earned praise for her advertising work, these controversies illustrate the caution required when celebrity endorsements intersect with social issues. Her continued success will depend on selectively partnering with responsible brands.
Conclusion
In summary, Zoe Saldana has been the face of numerous major advertising campaigns throughout her career spanning fashion, beauty, technology, and other industries. While known best for acclaimed movies, her commercial work has provided wider exposure, financial gain, industry connections, and the ability to promote social causes.
She has achieved substantial success as a celebrity brand ambassador while avoiding much controversy aside from the single banned L’Oréal ad. As Saldana continues achieving more film roles and acclaim, she can likely be very selective about only partnering with brands she truly supports. While not her primary career focus, advertising has been an important complementary endeavour that has further cemented Zoe Saldana’s position as an A-list star and influential public figure.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions:
What was Zoe Saldana’s first big advertising campaign?
Saldana’s first major brand partnership was with Calvin Klein underwear in 2010 shortly after her breakthrough film roles.
How much does Saldana earn for her advertising contracts?
Estimates put her advertising rate between $250,000 – $500,000 per brand campaign as of 2014.
Why did the 2016 L’Oréal ad get banned?
The UK Advertising Standards Authority banned it for misleading claims and retouching exaggerating anti-aging effects.
Which brand has Zoe Saldana represented the longest?
L’Oréal, she has been a brand ambassador for them since 2014 appearing in many ads.
Does Saldana only do ads for high end luxury brands?
No, she has advertised for both high end and mainstream consumer brands like Target and Miller Lite beer.