At the age of 31, Gomez, who plays a pivotal role in Emilia Perez, was seen wiping away tears as the applause continued. According to Variety, this was the longest standing ovation at Cannes so far this year. The emotional moment also affected her co-stars, with Gomez seen comforting Gascón, who was deeply touched by the audience’s reaction. Even as director Jacques Audiard took the stage to address the crowd, the applause continued for another minute, underscoring the film’s profound impact.
In Emilia Perez, Gomez portrays Jessi, the wife of a drug lord and a mother of two. The musical crime drama allows Gomez to showcase her singing talent, performing several songs on the film’s soundtrack. Additionally, she speaks Spanish in the film, adding another layer of authenticity to her character. However, the spotlight often shifts to Gascón, who plays a gangster seeking a lawyer’s help to undergo gender confirmation surgery.
The official Cannes synopsis describes Emilia Perez as a tale centered on Rita, an overqualified and undervalued lawyer working at a firm more focused on exonerating criminals than pursuing justice. Her life takes a turn when cartel leader Manitas hires her to help him leave his criminal life and fulfill his long-held dream of becoming the woman he has always wanted to be.
Beyond her cinematic achievements, Selena Gomez has been turning heads with her impeccable fashion choices at Cannes. For the Emilia Perez red carpet, she donned a striking black Saint Laurent gown with a white off-the-shoulder neckline, paired with black platform Santoni heels. Her look was accentuated by Bulgari jewelry, including a dazzling diamond choker, rings, and earrings.
Gomez’s sartorial elegance was evident throughout the festival. The day before the premiere, she was seen in a chic white knitted minidress by Self-Portrait, complemented by black and white Roger Vivier pumps. That evening, she opted for a custom navy Oscar de la Renta gown with black embellishments, showcasing her sophisticated style with mid-calf black Santoni pumps.
Selena Gomez has expressed a renewed focus on her acting career, taking on challenging roles that push her artistic boundaries. In an interview with Rolling Stone, she shared, “I love being able to take roles that I have to fight for, not the ones that are being handed to me. I’m going for the stuff that really, really inspires me.” Her appearance at Cannes aligns with her recent declaration in March, where she emphasized her current prioritization of acting projects over her music career.
Gomez’s commitment to acting is evident with her upcoming projects. She is set to star in a new Linda Ronstadt biopic and is also involved in producing a reboot of Wizards of Waverly Place. This diverse array of roles underscores her versatility and passion for exploring different facets of her craft.
Selena Gomez’s journey at Cannes and her recent career decisions highlight her dedication to evolving as an artist. Her emotional reaction to the standing ovation for Emilia Perez and her striking fashion statements have not only captivated audiences but also reinforced her status as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry. As she continues to take on roles that challenge and inspire her, Gomez remains a dynamic force, poised for even greater accomplishments in the future.
