Selena Gomez stars alongside Karla Sofía Gascón in the musical crime thriller “Emilia Pérez,” directed by Jacques Audiard. In the film, Gomez portrays the ex-wife of a cartel leader and takes on the challenge of speaking in Spanish, a language she has admitted she is not fluent in. Despite her childhood exposure to Spanish through her family, the actress faced criticism regarding her language skills.
In response to remarks made by actor and producer Eugenio Derbez on the Hablando de Cine podcast about her performance, Gomez expressed understanding of the concerns raised but defended her effort. She commented, “I did the best I could with the time I was given. Doesn’t take away from how much work and heart I put into this movie.” She also addressed Derbez’s suggestion that her fans were problematic, asserting, “Also do not ever say my fans are the problem standing up, as you say, for me.”
Derbez criticized Gomez’s performance, stating, “Selena is indefensible,” and remarked that viewers struggled to connect with her portrayal. Podcast host Gaby Meza supported Gomez by recognizing her talent as an actress and singer, while noting her limitations with the Spanish language, which hinder her ability to convey nuance in her acting.
Derbez expressed concern about the decision to have actors converse in Spanish and English given that Audiard, who is French, doesn’t fully speak either language, questioning how this might affect the authenticity of the film set in Mexico. He acknowledged appreciating the film overall, aside from Gomez’s scenes, yet pointed out the significance of cultural understanding in filmmaking.
Following the backlash regarding his initial comments, Derbez posted an apology on social media, emphasizing the need for Latino solidarity and recognizing his comments as inappropriate.
Despite the criticisms, it is worth noting that Gomez, along with her fellow stars, were recognized at the Cannes Film Festival with the award for best actress for their collective performances. This accolade highlights the resilience and talent of the cast, underscoring the importance of collaboration in film.
The overall message from this situation is one of growth and support within the creative community. As Gomez continues to navigate her career and expand her linguistic abilities, her passion and dedication to her craft remain evident. This experience could serve as a catalyst for conversations about representation and the challenges faced by artists stepping out of their comfort zones.