Selena Gomez was visibly moved as her newest film 'Emilia Perez' received the longest standing ovation of this year's Cannes Film Festival, signaling a major win for the star-studded musical crime drama.
- May 19, 2024
AceShowbiz - The 77th annual Cannes Film Festival turned out to be a tear-jerking affair for Selena Gomez, as her latest film, "Emilia Perez", garnered a colossal nine-minute standing ovation from the audience at the Grand Lumiere Theatre on May 18. The crowd's overwhelming applause saw Gomez, 31, and her co-stars Zoe Saldana and Karla Sofia Gascon wiping away tears during the emotional moment.
Gomez stars in the film as Jessi, the unsuspecting wife of a drug cartel leader, portrayed by Gascon, who is seeking gender-affirming surgery. Saldana plays Rita, an "overqualified and undervalued" lawyer who helps Gascon's character navigate the challenges of stepping away from a perilous life while transitioning into the woman she always wanted to be.
Directed by Jacques Audiard, a Palme d'Or winner, "Emilia Perez" breaks traditional cinematic boundaries as an "opera libretto in four acts," with characters bursting into song to propel the narrative forward. Since the film's release, it has quickly risen to prominence as one of the most talked-about entries at the festival, competing for numerous accolades including the prestigious Queer Palm.
Adding to the film's visual and emotional impact was Selena Gomez's impeccable fashion presence on the festival's red carpet. For the premiere, Gomez dazzled in a black Saint Laurent gown with a striking off-the-shoulder white neckline, accompanied by diamond accessories from Bulgari that amplified her star quality. On previous nights, her looks ranged from a chic navy Oscar de la Renta gown to a casual white minidress by Self-Portrait, showcasing her versatile style.
Gomez has hinted at a temporary shift in her career focus, noting that she is prioritizing acting projects over music at the moment. "I love being able to take roles that I have to fight for, not the ones that are being handed to me. I'm going for the stuff that really, really inspires me," she expressed in a candid interview, reinforcing her commitment to challenging acting endeavors.
The standing ovation at Cannes not only validated the hard work and talent showcased in "Emilia Perez", but it also underscored Gomez's evolving career. With more exciting projects ahead, including a Linda Ronstadt biopic and a reboot of "Wizards of Waverly Place", it's clear that Selena Gomez is boldly paving her way in the film industry.
