Daniela Vega – The First Trans Woman to Present an Award at the Oscar’s
Daniela Vega isn’t just an actress—she’s a voice, a presence, and a force in global cinema and LGBTQ+ visibility. Best known for her role in the Oscar-winning film A Fantastic Woman, she made history as the first openly transgender person to present at the Academy Awards.
But her influence goes far beyond red carpets and accolades. She’s a trained opera singer, a powerful speaker, and someone who continues to use her art to push for understanding and representation.
Early Life and Background
Daniela Vega was born in 1989 in San Miguel, a commune within Santiago, Chile. Raised in a working-class family, she grew up surrounded by a strong sense of community and tradition.
From an early age, she showed a clear spark for creativity and performance, often expressing herself through song and storytelling. Her upbringing was rooted in a culture that valued discipline, but also had limited space for conversations around gender identity and expression.
Childhood Interests in the Arts and Early Love for Music
Even as a child, Daniela felt drawn to the stage. She found joy in music, especially classical and operatic works, and spent much of her free time singing.
Music became a form of comfort and self-expression, giving her a way to connect with emotions she couldn’t always name out loud. Her family noticed her talent early on and encouraged her interest in the arts.
Beginning Formal Opera Training at the Age of Eight
At just eight years old, she began studying opera seriously, working with vocal coaches and diving into complex pieces. This early foundation in music didn’t just sharpen her technical skills—it also gave her confidence and a sense of purpose.
Her experience in opera helped shape her stage presence, vocal control, and emotional depth, which would later play a key role in her acting career.
Navigating Gender Identity While Growing Up in a Traditional Society
While her artistic side flourished, Daniela quietly dealt with the inner challenges of understanding her gender identity in a society that offered few examples or safe spaces for trans youth. Chile at the time wasn’t widely open to LGBTQ+ identities, and Daniela often had to keep parts of herself hidden.
Despite this, she found strength in her art and used it as a space where she could begin to imagine a life that aligned more closely with who she really was.
Path to Performance
Before she became an international name, Daniela Vega was already building a life around the arts in her home country of Chile. Her natural stage presence, shaped by years of classical training, helped her stand out in local creative communities.
She began performing in small venues, blending her love of music with a growing interest in storytelling and acting. Each performance became a stepping stone toward something bigger, even if she didn’t know exactly where it would lead yet.
Career Beginnings as a Singer and Performer in Chile
She first entered the public eye as a singer, particularly within Chile’s classical and opera scene. She performed at cultural events and took part in local productions where her voice and emotional expression were quickly noticed.
These early experiences allowed her to develop discipline, timing, and poise—all of which later became part of her unique artistic identity.
Transitioning into Theater
As her confidence grew, she began exploring opportunities in theater. She joined creative circles that welcomed experimental and independent work, which gave her the freedom to express herself more fully.
Theater became a space where she could blend her personal identity with performance, often taking on roles that reflected her own questions and experiences.
Early Roles and How Her Background in Music Influenced Her Stage Presence
Even in her earliest acting roles, her musical background set her apart. Her ability to command a room, use rhythm in her delivery, and tap into emotion with precision all stemmed from years of performing music.
Directors and fellow performers noted her intensity and presence—qualities that made her memorable on stage and eventually caught the attention of filmmakers looking for something different.
Breakthrough Role in A Fantastic Woman
Daniela Vega’s rise to international fame began with a film that wasn’t initially written for her. A Fantastic Woman became a defining moment in her career and a major step forward for transgender representation in global cinema.
Her connection to the story started behind the scenes, but it quickly evolved into something much bigger—placing her at the center of a film that would go on to win an Academy Award and change how audiences viewed trans characters on screen.
How She Was First Brought On as a Script Consultant
Originally, Daniela was approached by the filmmakers to serve as a consultant for A Fantastic Woman. The team wanted her input on how to portray the experiences of a transgender woman in a way that felt honest and grounded.
As she worked closely with the writers, it became clear that her perspective added depth and emotion to the story. Over time, the filmmakers saw something in her that extended beyond consultation—something that made her a natural fit for the role itself.
Landing the Lead Role of Marina Vidal and Preparing for the Character
Eventually, director Sebastián Lelio offered Daniela the lead role of Marina Vidal. It was a big moment, but one she approached with focus and dedication. She spent time connecting with the emotional weight of the character, drawing from her own experiences and instincts as a performer.
Rather than playing a version of herself, Daniela brought nuance to Marina—a woman navigating grief, suspicion, and the everyday reality of being trans in a world that still questions her worth.
Plot Summary of the Film and Its Emotional Depth
A Fantastic Woman follows Marina Vidal, a transgender woman whose older boyfriend dies suddenly, leaving her to face not only heartbreak but also hostility from his family and broader society.
The film unfolds as Marina fights to be recognized not just as his partner, but as a person with dignity and rights. It explores themes of love, loss, and identity with quiet intensity, inviting audiences to sit with the complexity of her experience without reducing her to a stereotype.
Working with Director Sebastián Lelio and the Creative Process
Daniela’s collaboration with director Sebastián Lelio was built on trust and mutual respect. Lelio gave her space to help shape the character, and the creative process became a conversation rather than a top-down direction.
The two worked together to create a performance that was subtle yet powerful, letting Daniela’s natural presence lead the emotional rhythm of the film.
The result was a story that felt real, layered, and deeply human—earning the film both critical acclaim and a historic Oscar win for Best Foreign Language Film.
Trans Advocacy and Public Voice
Beyond her work in film and music, Daniela Vega has become a strong voice for transgender rights.
With every interview, speech, and public appearance, she uses her platform to talk about dignity, inclusion, and the everyday challenges trans people face. Her activism isn’t separate from her art—it’s part of who she is.
Speaking Out About Trans Rights in Chile and Internationally
In Chile, Daniela has been vocal about the need for legal protections and broader social acceptance for trans individuals. She’s spoken out about issues such as healthcare access, workplace discrimination, and the emotional toll of being misunderstood.
Internationally, her message remains consistent—trans people deserve to live fully, freely, and without fear.
Being Named One of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2018
In 2018, Daniela was included in Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world—a moment that highlighted her impact not only as an actress but also as a cultural figure.
The recognition wasn’t just about her performance in A Fantastic Woman—it was about her ability to move conversations forward and lead by example. It also marked a shift in how mainstream media recognizes trans voices on a global stage.
Beyond Acting: Artistry and Cultural Impact
Daniela Vega’s creative journey doesn’t stop at film. While acting brought her into the international spotlight, she continues to explore other artistic outlets that reflect her roots and personal expression.
From music to spoken word, her work spans different mediums—but always comes back to telling honest, powerful stories. Through it all, she remains a cultural figure who challenges expectations, celebrates identity, and stays connected to her artistic beginnings.
Return to Opera and Musical Performances
Long before she stepped onto a movie set, Daniela was drawn to the world of opera. In recent years, she has returned to the stage with live performances that highlight her vocal training and love for classical music.
These concerts allow her to reconnect with her original craft and share a different side of her talent with audiences. Whether she’s performing solo or with orchestras, she brings emotion and depth to every note.
Involvement in Other Film and Television Projects
Following the success of A Fantastic Woman, Daniela has continued to take on acting roles that align with her values. She’s been involved in a mix of short films, international co-productions, and guest appearances—always with an eye toward thoughtful storytelling.
While she remains selective about her projects, each one adds to her growing body of work and shows her versatility as a performer.
Literary and Spoken-Word Work
Daniela has also explored writing and spoken-word performance as another outlet for reflection and advocacy. She’s participated in readings and festivals where she shares personal essays, poetry, and curated monologues.
Her words often touch on themes of identity, body, memory, and resilience, offering audiences a glimpse into her inner world beyond scripted lines.
Daniela Vega continues to grow as an artist, advocate, and cultural voice. Whether she’s singing on stage, acting on screen, or speaking in front of a crowd, her work carries intention and care.
She represents not just progress, but creativity in motion—proving that art and identity can work together to create something meaningful. Her journey isn’t finished, and that’s what makes it so exciting to follow.
Follow Daniela Vega
Stay connected with Daniela Vega and support her journey by following her on social media and professional platforms:
- Facebook: @DanielaVegaActriz
- Instagram: @dani.vega.h
- Threads: @dani.vega.h
- X: @danivega
