Selena Gomez ‘Shines’ in Oscar-Tipped Musical Emilia Pérez at London Film Festival

Selena Gomez graced the red carpet at the UK premiere of her critically-acclaimed, Oscar-tipped film Emilia Pérez at the London Film Festival. The Spanish-language musical, directed by French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, was one of the standout films at Cannes this year, where Gomez, alongside co-stars Zoe Saldaña, Adriana Paz, and Karla Sofía Gascón, shared the best actress honor. The film has garnered widespread attention for its unique storyline and powerful performances.

Emilia Pérez tells the story of a Mexican cartel leader, played by Gascón, who seeks the help of a high-powered lawyer, portrayed by Saldaña, to fake his death. However, the motivation behind this dramatic decision is unexpected—he desires to transition into a woman and live a new life as Emilia Pérez. The plot then follows the lives of four women, each on their journey to find happiness in modern-day Mexico.

Gascón, an Argentinian trans actress, delivers a performance that has already earned her recognition as a potential best actress contender in the upcoming awards season. Gomez plays the wife of the former drug lord, who is unaware of her spouse’s transition, while Paz portrays Emilia’s new love interest after the transformation.

The Inspiration Behind Emilia Pérez

Audiard’s idea for the film originated from a chapter in Boris Razon’s 2018 novel Écoute, which introduced the concept of a drug lord changing identity. However, Audiard decided to deepen the story by exploring gender transition rather than mere evasion of enemies. The director was keen to find a trans actress who could both sing and dance to play the lead role. Gascón recalls the intense casting process, during which she was asked to learn and perform five songs overnight. Despite her initial doubts about her singing abilities, Gascón praised the team for their support in helping her execute the musical numbers.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the casting process was Gascón’s campaign to portray both the pre-transition male drug lord, Manitas, and the transitioned Emilia Pérez. Audiard initially hesitated, as he was concerned about asking Gascón to revisit a past she had moved away from. However, Gascón felt strongly about playing the character’s full arc, including the role of Manitas, to create a more cohesive portrayal. Through makeup effects, including a fake beard, she played the drug lord before the character’s transition. According to Gascón, playing both versions of the character gave the film its emotional depth.

A Wild Ride: The Critical Response

Reviews for Emilia Pérez have been largely positive, with many praising its bold, genre-defying narrative and the cast’s performances. Entertainment Weekly’s Maureen Lee Lenker called it a “wild, gritty, glitter-soaked ride that defies convention and classification.” Lenker highlighted Selena Gomez’s portrayal of the drug lord’s wife, noting how Gomez shed her Disney Channel image with a performance that reveals emotional depth and vulnerability, particularly in the film’s climactic scenes.

Gascón’s performance has also been lauded. David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter described her as a “wonderful discovery,” noting the authenticity and complexity she brings to the role. Rooney pointed out that Gascón’s real-life experiences as a trans woman and mother brought a unique authenticity to her portrayal of Emilia.

The Telegraph’s Tim Robey described the film as “amazingly confident—clever, earnest, ridiculous, knowing, forceful, and absolutely bonkers,” while Inverse’s Hoai-Tran Bui hailed it as an “emotionally fulfilling triumph.” However, not all critics were as enthusiastic. Slant’s Kyle Turner criticized the film’s tonal shifts and “saccharine sentimentality,” attributing some of its flaws to its origins as a planned opera. Still, the film has found favor with those who appreciate its ambitious scope and unconventional storytelling.

A Standout Performance in a Standout Film

Despite mixed reviews, one of the undeniable highlights of Emilia Pérez is Karla Sofía Gascón’s transformative performance. Her portrayal of the gender transition of a hardened cartel leader has been praised for its authenticity and emotional resonance. The film’s success in balancing both dramatic and musical elements is a testament to the vision of director Jacques Audiard and the dedication of the cast. Gomez, Saldaña, and Paz also received recognition for their contributions to the film, but it’s Gascón who has emerged as the breakout star.

As Emilia Pérez prepares for its Netflix release next month, the film is already positioning itself as a major contender in the forthcoming awards season. With its selection as France’s entry for the Best International Feature category at the Oscars, and the possibility of acting nominations for Gascón and her co-stars, the film could make a significant impact at the Academy Awards in March. While Gomez is primarily known for her role in Only Murders in the Building and her successful music career, Emilia Pérez could further solidify her status as a versatile and accomplished actress.

A Unique and Bold Vision

Audiard’s vision for Emilia Pérez challenges traditional storytelling by blending musical elements with a gritty, emotional narrative. The film’s exploration of identity, gender, and personal transformation in the violent world of Mexican cartels offers a fresh perspective on themes of self-discovery and resilience. As the film continues to gain momentum, its stars, especially Gascón, could find themselves center stage at the Oscars.