The Cannes Film Festival witnessed a historic moment on 18 May. Emilia Pérez, a Spanish-language musical drama, received the festival’s longest-standing ovation so far. It lasted a full nine minutes. The film stars Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Karla Sofía Gascón.
SELENA GOMEZ IN CANNES
As the applause filled the Palais des Festivals, Selena Gomez was seen wiping away tears.
The audience erupted into cheers, whistles, and hoots, as reported by Variety.
Director Jacques Audiard, renowned for his Palme d’Or-winning Deephan, waved his hat in gratitude from the balcony.
Stars Zoe Saldaña and Édgar Ramírez shared a heartfelt hug, celebrating the moment.
SELENA GOMEZ AND THE FILM FESTIVAL
Gascón, who plays a pivotal role in the film, received immense applause.
Emilia Pérez follows the story of Rita, portrayed by Saldaña.
Rita is an “overqualified and undervalued” lawyer, working in a firm that often helps criminals, according to People.
Her life takes a dramatic turn when Manitas, a feared drug cartel leader played by Gascón, seeks her help.
SELENA GOMEZ’S ROLE
Manitas wishes to undergo gender-affirming surgery to become the woman he has always wanted to be.
Selena Gomez plays Manitas’ unsuspecting wife.
This adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, according to Daily Mail.
Director Jacques Audiard described the film as an “opera libretto in four acts,” with characters breaking into original songs to advance the plot.
This unique storytelling method captivated the audience. It makes it one of the most talked-about films at Cannes.
Gascón, a trans actor from Madrid, shone in her role as Manitas.
A RISING STAR
This film marks a significant milestone in her career, making her a rising star to watch.
Her performance added depth and authenticity to the film, resonating deeply with the audience.
This isn’t the first time Saldaña and Selena Gomez have graced the Cannes red carpet.
Saldaña made her debut in 2013 with Blood Ties, while Gomez starred in Jim Jarmusch’s The Dead Don’t Die in 2019.
However, this moment was particularly special for Gascón, marking her debut at Cannes.
LGBTQ FILMS
Emilia Pérez, starring Selena Gomez, is not only competing for Audiard’s second Palme d’Or but is also eligible for the Queer Palm.
This award recognises films with LGBTQ themes, judged by a jury led by Belgian filmmaker Lukas Dhont.
The film’s exploration of gender identity and transformation has made it a standout contender.
Produced by Why Not Productions, Page 114, Saint Laurent Productions, Pathé, and France 2 Cinema, Emilia Pérez has generated significant buzz at Cannes.
FRENCH CINEMA
Pathé has acquired the French distribution rights and plans to release the film in French cinemas soon.
The film is among the most sought-after at the festival, alongside other notable titles. These films are like Ali Abbasi’s The Apprentice, a film about Donald Trump, and Last Showgirl starring Pamela Anderson.
Selena Gomez’s emotional reaction, coupled with the film’s powerful narrative and performances, has solidified “Emilia Pérez” as a memorable highlight of this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
As the audience’s applause echoed through the Palais, it became clear that “Emilia Pérez” had left an indelible mark on Cannes 2024.
