US singer and actress Selena Gomez made a stunning appearance at the London Film Festival on Friday, joining her co-stars for the UK premiere of the Oscar-tipped film Emilia Pérez. The Spanish-language musical, which was a breakout hit at Cannes earlier this year, features Gomez alongside Zoe Saldaña, Adriana Paz, and Karla Sofía Gascón, who jointly won best actress at the prestigious film festival.
Emilia Pérez follows the story of a Mexican Cartel leader who seeks the help of a high-powered lawyer to fake his own death, with a twist – he wants to change gender and start a new life as a woman. The film delves into the lives of four women, including the newly-transitioned Emilia Pérez, as they navigate their pursuit of happiness in modern-day Mexico.
Directed by French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, the film required a specific casting choice for the role of Emilia Pérez – a trans actress who could speak Spanish, sing, and dance. Gascón, the Argentinian trans actress who portrays Pérez, has been praised for her performance and dedication to the role.
Reviews of Emilia Pérez have been generally positive, with critics praising the performances of the cast, including Gomez’s departure from her Disney Channel roots and Saldaña’s dramatic portrayal. The film has been described as a genre-bending triumph that defies convention and classification.
As the film gears up for its release on Netflix next month, all eyes are on whether Emilia Pérez will be a major player in the upcoming awards season, with potential recognition for the stellar performances of its cast. The film has already been selected as France’s entry for the best international feature category at the Oscars, setting the stage for a potentially successful awards run.
