Selena Gomez was moved to tears after ‘Emilia Pérez,’ a dramatic musical co-starring Zoe Saldaña and Karla Sofía Gascón, received a nine-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival.
According to Variety, the audience's enthusiasm didn't stop with the credits, with cheers continuing even after director Jacques Audiard, who previously won the Palme d’Or, took the stage.
The film tells the story of Rita (Saldaña), a lawyer entangled with a powerful drug cartel leader, Manitas (Gascón), who seeks gender-affirming surgery. Gascón, a rising trans star, is generating significant buzz for their performance.
‘Emilia Pérez’ was reportedly an emotional experience for everyone involved, with Gomez comforting Gascón who was also overwhelmed at the reception.
Saldaña, speaking to Variety, praised the film's unconventional story.
“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.”
Saldaña was drawn to the complexity of her character, Rita, an overworked attorney navigating the dangerous world of the cartel.
Gascón also described the film to Variety, saying that the story was “about the power of femininity.”
While the film demonstrated positive reception with the Cannes audience, critics have offered mixed reviews.
‘Emilia Pérez’ is a strong contender for the Palme d'Or and the Queer Palm award, and is already one of the most sought-after films at Cannes.
The film is a collaborative effort between French production companies Why Not Productions and Page 114, alongside fashion house Yves Saint Laurent (through Saint Laurent Productions), film distributor Pathé, and France 2 Cinéma.
Pathé secured the rights to distribute the film within France and will be responsible for its theatrical release there.
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