Selena Gomez Overcome with Tears During Record-Breaking 9-Minute Ovation for ‘Emilia Pérez’ at Cannes
¡Prepárate, amigos y amigas! The Spanish-language musical drama "Emilia Pérez" just rocked the Cannes Film Festival, snatching the biggest standing ovation so far this year. Starring the dynamic trio—Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Karla Sofía Gascón—this film is already the talk of the town!
Picture this: the magnificent Palais auditorium, where after the screening, the crowd couldn't help but stand, clap, and cheer for an impressive nueve minutos. Everyone was on their feet, hooting and whistling, celebrating the magic of the movie. Gomez, touched deeply, wiped away tears, while director Jacques Audiard playfully waved his hat towards the balcony. It was a moment of pure conexión as Saldaña and Édgar Ramírez shared a heartfelt embrace, and Karla Sofía Gascón received thunderous applause for her groundbreaking portrayal of a drug cartel leader embarking on a journey for gender-affirming surgery.
In "Emilia Pérez," directed by the esteemed Palme d’Or winner Audiard, Saldaña shines as Rita, an overqualified and undervalued lawyer working in a firm that often sides more with criminales than justice. But, esperate, the plot thickens! Rita's life takes an unexpected turn when Manitas, the feared cartel leader played by Gascón, ropes her into helping him complete a life-changing sex change operation, revealing his true self. Gomez plays his unsuspecting esposa, adding layers of complexity and emotion to this captivating story.
Described by Audiard himself as an "opera libretto in four acts,” the film cleverly unfolds as the actors burst into original songs that propel the narrative forward, showcasing their versatile talents.
Not only did the film light up the festival, but it also brought significant moments for its stars. While it wasn't the first time Saldaña or Gomez graced the famed red stairs of the Grand Theatre Lumiere, it marked a major milestone for Gascón, a rising trans estrella from Madrid. Their performances not only captured hearts but also sparked important dialogues.
"Emilia Pérez" has quickly become one of the most talked-about films at Cannes, standing shoulder to shoulder with heavy hitters like Ali Abbasi’s critique in "The Apprentice" and the Pamela Anderson-led "Last Showgirl." It’s not just eyeing Audiard’s second Palme d’Or but is also a strong contender for the Queer Palm, an award celebrating films with LGBTQ themes.
Co-produced with a host of creative powerhouses including French production giants Why Not Productions and Page 114, along with Saint Laurent Productions, Pathé, and France 2 Cinema, there's an impressive lineup behind this masterpiece. Plus, let's not overlook that Pathé has snagged the French distribution rights, ensuring that "Emilia Pérez" will dazzle audiences in French theaters soon.
So, whether you're in it for the riveting plot, the emotional depth, or the sheer talent displayed, "Emilia Pérez" promises a cinematic journey that speaks to the soul. Get ready to be moved, inspired, and totally mesmerized, porque this película is a juggernaut of heart, talent, and transformative storytelling. ¡No te la pierdas!