October 23, 2024: Selena Gomez recently shared her thrilling experience auditioning for the role of Jessi Del Monte, a cartel leader’s wife, in the innovative queer crime musical ‘Emilia Perez’, directed by Jacques Audiard.
Selena recalled how Audiard’s unique approach inspired her to fully embrace the character. She described how Audiard told her to “act drunk and throw your shoes if you want,” encouraging her to go wild during the audition.
Selena performed a crucial sequence from the film, a musical number called ‘Bienvenida’, where her character expresses frustration with her spouse, Emilia Perez (played by Karla Sofia Gascon), who is undergoing gender-affirming surgery. Selena shared how Audiard kept pushing her to “go crazier,” which led her to perform with complete abandon, standing on furniture and fully immersing herself in the role. She described the experience as “crazy” but ultimately rewarding, and she felt honored when Audiard chose her for the part.
‘Emilia Perez’, which has been chosen as France’s official entry for the 2025 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category, tells the compelling story of a Mexican drug lord, portrayed by Gascon, who seeks to transition with the help of a lawyer, played by Zoe Saldana. The film features a dynamic and diverse cast, including Adriana Paz and Karla Sofia Gascon, and blends elements of crime, musical, and queer cinema.
The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, receiving widespread acclaim and winning the Jury Prize as well as a shared Best Actress award for the ensemble cast. Set for release on Netflix on November 13, ‘Emilia Perez’ is one of the most anticipated films of the year.
When asked if she offered any vocal tips to her co-stars, Selena humbly remarked that stars like Zoe Saldana didn’t need any advice, saying, “That girl does not need any tips. If anything, I need the tips.”
