December 8, 2024: Selena Gomez’s response to Eugenio Derbez’s criticism of her performance in Emilia Perez reflects a combination of humility and determination.
It’s clear she took on a challenging role, especially considering the language barrier, and did her best with the resources and time available to her. Her comment on TikTok, apologizing for not being fluent in Spanish but emphasizing the effort and heart she put into the role, shows a level of self-awareness and professionalism.
Derbez’s comments have sparked a debate about cultural authenticity and the expectations placed on non-native actors in bilingual films. His critique focuses on how Gomez’s lack of fluency in Spanish may have affected the nuance of her performance, making it harder for audiences to connect with her character. He also raised a valid point about the potential disconnect created by a director (Jacques Audiard) who may not fully understand the language or cultural context of the film. That said, it’s worth considering that Emilia Perez may not have been intended as a deeply cultural or linguistically accurate portrayal, but rather as an experimental or genre-driven project where language fluency is secondary to the narrative.
It’s also interesting that Derbez highlights how audiences, particularly non-Spanish speakers, might overlook issues with the acting if they’re relying on subtitles. This raises questions about how we judge performances in foreign-language films, especially in a globalized streaming era where audience expectations and interpretations can vary widely.
Gomez’s role as Jessi del Monte in Emilia Perez seems to have been an ambitious one, blending comedy, crime, and musical elements in a bilingual context. While Derbez’s critique has certainly sparked conversation, it’s worth noting that acting, particularly in a language you’re not fluent in, is an impressive feat on its own. Gomez’s experience in Only Murders in the Building proves her talent in a more comfortable, English-speaking role, and her willingness to stretch her acting abilities in a different linguistic and cultural context deserves recognition.
Ultimately, both Gomez and Derbez have valid points. Derbez’s perspective on language and nuance is understandable from a cultural standpoint, but Gomez’s response reflects her commitment to the craft and her acknowledgement of her limitations—something many actors face when stepping out of their comfort zones.
