Selena Gomez Shines at the UK Premiere of Oscar-Contender Emilia Pérez

Selena Gomez graced the red carpet at the London Film Festival on Friday for the UK premiere of her new film, Emilia Pérez, which has garnered Oscar buzz since its debut at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. The Spanish-language musical was celebrated as one of the standout hits at Cannes, where Gomez, alongside her co-stars Zoe Saldaña, Adriana Paz, and Karla Sofía Gascón, received the best actress award for their performances.

Emilia Pérez tells the story of a Mexican cartel leader, played by Gascón, who seeks the assistance of a high-powered lawyer, Rita (portrayed by Saldaña), to fake his own death. The twist? The cartel leader’s true desire is to transition into a woman and live a new life, prompting an exploration of identity and happiness through the experiences of four women in modern-day Mexico.

Gascón, a Spanish trans actress, takes center stage as Emilia Pérez, the newly transitioned character navigating her new identity. Gomez plays the drug lord’s wife, who is oblivious to her husband’s transformation, while Paz portrays Emilia’s love interest after her transition. All four actresses were present at the Royal Festival Hall for the film’s premiere, showcasing the film’s momentum as it enters the awards race.

The film’s French director, Jacques Audiard, was inspired to create Emilia Pérez after reading a chapter in Boris Razon’s 2018 novel, Écoute, which features a drug lord changing identities. Audiard aimed to focus on the personal aspects of this transformation rather than solely on the criminal elements. He explained to BBC News, “I was less interested in a change of identity to evade competitor drug barons, and more interested in the change of identity for the sake of the person she was and is.”

Finding the right actress for the role of Emilia required specific qualities: a trans actress who spoke Spanish and could sing and dance. Gascón recalled her audition experience, stating, “I was told ‘We need an actress as crazy as you.’ I had to learn five songs overnight, and I was like, ‘OK, let’s record the whole album!’” Her dedication to the role impressed the production team, who supported her throughout the process.

Audiard acknowledged Gascón’s integral role in the film’s success, stating, “Without her there would be no film.” Interestingly, Gascón campaigned to play both the male and female versions of the character, wanting to portray the complete arc of the role. Initially, Audiard was hesitant to have her revisit her past as a male character but eventually agreed. Gascón emphasized the importance of her complete performance, stating, “This film is this film because the same actress played the complete performance.”

Early reviews for Emilia Pérez have been generally positive, with Entertainment Weekly’s Maureen Lee Lenker describing it as “a wild, gritty, glitter-soaked ride that defies convention.” Lenker noted Gomez’s transformation from her Disney Channel roots, praising her portrayal of a devoted yet troubled wife. Gomez’s character experiences significant growth throughout the film, with the climax showcasing her emotional depth as she navigates a dangerous situation.

When asked about returning to singing and dancing for the film, Gomez remarked, “No, because this was completely different. It was intricate dance moves I never knew my body could do.” Her willingness to step outside her comfort zone has been noted as a highlight of her performance.

The film has also drawn attention to Gascón’s exceptional portrayal, with critics lauding her as a “wonderful discovery.” The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney highlighted the warmth and authenticity she brings to her role. Other reviews described the film as “amazingly confident” and a “genre-bending thrill ride.”

However, not all critics have been as enthusiastic. Some noted the film’s origins as an opera might explain its occasional tonal inconsistencies. Still, many see Emilia Pérez as a fresh perspective in the film landscape, with Lauren Bradshaw of Fangirl Freakout calling it a “magnificent, genre-bending thrill ride.”

As the awards season approaches, it remains to be seen how Emilia Pérez will perform, but its selection as France’s entry for the Best International Feature category at the Oscars suggests it may be a strong contender. With Gomez’s successful acting career and her established singing career, alongside the talents of her co-stars, this film is poised to capture the attention of both audiences and critics alike.