Selena Gomez 'shines' in new Oscar-tipped musical

Selena Gomez, a well-known singer and actress, recently made a stunning appearance at the London Film Festival, where her new film, Emilia Pérez, had its UK premiere. This film has been generating a lot of buzz and is considered a strong contender for the Oscars, which are prestigious awards in the film industry. At the festival, Selena walked the red carpet alongside her talented co-stars, Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Adriana Paz. The four actresses had previously shared the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, marking a significant achievement in their careers. Emilia Pérez is a Spanish-language musical that tells the story of a Mexican cartel leader, played by Gascón, who seeks the help of a high-powered lawyer named Rita, portrayed by Saldaña, to fake his own death. However, the plot takes an unexpected turn when it is revealed that the cartel leader wishes to transition into a woman and start a new life. The film explores the lives of four women, including the newly transitioned Emilia Pérez, as they each navigate their own paths to happiness in contemporary Mexico. Gascón, a Spanish trans actress, has been recognized as a potential Best Actress nominee in the upcoming awards season. Selena plays the role of the drug lord's wife, who remains unaware of her husband's new identity, while Paz portrays Emilia's romantic interest after her transition. The four stars of the film proudly walked the red carpet at the Royal Festival Hall, showcasing their excitement for the film's premiere. Selena Gomez has previously received an Emmy nomination for her role in the TV series Only Murders In The Building, and her performance in Emilia Pérez has been highly anticipated. The film's director, Jacques Audiard, was inspired to create this story after reading a chapter in Boris Razon's novel, Écoute, which features a drug lord who changes identity. Audiard decided to take the story further by focusing on the theme of gender transition. He expressed that he was more interested in the personal journey of the character rather than just the criminal aspects of the story. The casting process for the role of Emilia was unique, as it required a trans actress who could sing and dance. Gascón shared her experience of being contacted by the production team while she was in Mexico, and she humorously recalled being told that she was the only one who could take on the role. She was asked to learn five songs in a short amount of time, which she found challenging but exciting. The director emphasized that without Gascón, the film would not have been possible. Interestingly, Gascón campaigned to play both the male and female roles, wanting to portray the character's full journey. Initially, Audiard had considered casting a different actor for the male role, but Gascón insisted on taking on the complete arc of the character. This required the use of special effects and makeup to transform her appearance for the first part of the film. Gascón expressed that this opportunity was rare and important to her, and she did not want to miss it. The film has received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its unique storytelling and performances. One critic described it as a wild and glittering ride that defies traditional classification. They highlighted Selena Gomez's performance, noting that she successfully shed her Disney Channel image and portrayed a complex character with depth and emotion. The film's climax allowed Gomez to showcase her dramatic acting skills, conveying heartache and tension in a powerful way. However, not all reviews have been entirely positive. Some critics pointed out that the film's origins as an opera may have contributed to its overly sentimental moments and uneven tone. Despite this, many agree that Emilia Pérez is a groundbreaking film that challenges conventional storytelling and offers a fresh perspective on cinema. Selena Gomez is not only known for her acting but also for her successful music career, with popular songs like Back To You and Wolves. Her co-star Zoe Saldaña has a long history of starring in blockbuster films, including the Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy franchises. As the awards season approaches, it remains to be seen whether Emilia Pérez will be recognized for its achievements, but many believe it has the potential to make a significant impact.