Cannes, France – Selena Gomez was visibly moved as her latest film, Emilia Pérez, received an astonishing nine-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival on May 18. The 31-year-old actress, along with co-stars Zoe Saldaña and Karla Sofía Gascón, was overcome with emotion at the audience’s enthusiastic response. The applause, described as the longest and most enthusiastic of the year, continued even after the film’s director, Jacques Audiard, addressed the crowd. Gomez, who stars in the musical crime drama, was seen wiping away tears during the ovation. According to Variety, the audience’s cheers and applause persisted for a full minute after Audiard spoke.
Emilia Pérez tells the story of Rita, a lawyer entangled with a powerful drug cartel leader, Manitas, who seeks gender-affirming surgery. Karla Sofía Gascón, who plays Manitas, has been praised for her performance, generating significant buzz at the festival. Zoe Saldaña plays the overworked attorney, Rita, who helps Manitas navigate this complex journey. The film was reportedly an emotional experience for everyone involved, with Gomez comforting Gascón, who was also overwhelmed by the reception. Speaking to Variety, Saldaña praised the film’s unconventional story, emphasizing the importance of such narratives. “It’s important to have stories like this,” she said. “So my only hope is that it’s received with openness of heart and mind.”
Gomez took her Instagram the following day to express her gratitude. “Thank you, Cannes! I’m so honored to be a small part of something so special in Emilia Pérez. Jacques Audiard, thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in me,” she wrote. She also praised her co-stars, Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Édgar Ramírez, along with the entire cast and crew. In Emilia Pérez, Gomez plays Jessi, the wife of a drug lord and mother of two, showcasing her singing talents in several soundtrack numbers. The movie, divided into four acts, features original songs performed by the cast.
Gomez has described her role in Emilia Pérez as one of the most challenging of her career. Speaking on the Smartless podcast earlier this year, she mentioned a particularly emotional scene that allowed her to channel personal experiences. The film, a collaboration between French production companies Why Not Productions and Page 114, fashion house Yves Saint Laurent, film distributor Pathé, and France 2 Cinéma, is a strong contender for both the Palme d’Or and the Queer Palm award. Emilia Pérez is already one of the most talked-about films at Cannes, and its reception at the festival suggests it will continue to generate significant interest. With its unique storyline and powerful performances, the film is set to make a lasting impact.
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