Selena Gomez attended the UK premiere of her new film Emilia Pérez at the London Film Festival on Friday, alongside her co-stars Zoe Saldaña, Adriana Paz, and Karla Sofía Gascón. This highly anticipated Spanish-language musical, which debuted earlier this year at the Cannes Film Festival, has been generating Oscar buzz, particularly after Gomez and her co-stars were jointly named Best Actress at Cannes.
Emilia Pérez centers around a Mexican cartel leader, played by Gascón, who enlists the help of high-powered lawyer Rita, portrayed by Saldaña, to fake his own death. However, the cartel leader’s motivation for leaving the criminal world is surprising: he wishes to transition into a woman and embrace a new identity.
The narrative unfolds through the journeys of four women, including the newly transitioned Emilia Pérez, as they each seek happiness in modern-day Mexico. Gascón’s performance as the titular character has garnered significant acclaim, positioning her as a strong contender for Best Actress in the upcoming awards season. In her role, Gomez plays the drug lord’s wife, who remains unaware of her husband’s new identity, while Paz portrays Emilia’s romantic interest post-transition.
All four actresses graced the red carpet at the Royal Festival Hall for the film’s UK premiere, contributing to the film’s rising profile in the awards circuit.
The film’s director, French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, was inspired by a chapter in Boris Razon’s 2018 novel Écoute, which explores themes of identity change. Audiard emphasized that his focus was less on evading rival drug lords and more on the personal journey of transformation. “I was more interested in the past and what led to that transition,” he told.
The casting process for Emilia Pérez was unique, with Gascón noting the challenges of preparing for the role. “I was told ‘We need an actress as crazy as you… but you need to learn five songs for tomorrow!'” she recalled, humorously acknowledging the pressures of her audition. Audiard later stated that Gascón’s involvement was crucial: “Without her, there would be no film.”
Interestingly, Gascón expressed a desire to portray both the male and female versions of her character. Although Audiard initially considered casting a different actor for the role of the male drug lord, Gascón insisted on playing both parts to bring a complete arc to the story. She utilized makeup effects to transform into the male character, Manitas, in the first part of the film.
Emilia Pérez, which will be available on Netflix next month, has received generally positive reviews. Entertainment Weekly’s Maureen Lee Lenker described it as a “wild, gritty, glitter-soaked ride that defies convention,” praising Gomez for her surprising depth in portraying a narcotics wife. Critics have highlighted the film’s performances, particularly Gascón’s, which was described as a “magnificent performance” by The Hollywood Reporter.
The film’s reception has not been universally positive, with some critics noting its operatic roots that led to sentimental and tonal inconsistencies. However, others have lauded it as a genre-bending experience that breathes fresh excitement into film.
As the film gears up for potential awards recognition, the industry is watching closely. Emilia Pérez has already been selected as France’s entry for the Best International Feature category at the upcoming Oscars, scheduled for March. The film represents a unique convergence of talent and storytelling, with Gomez, Saldaña, and Gascón leading a narrative that challenges conventions and celebrates personal transformation.
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