Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, Karla Sofía Gascón on ‘Emilia Pérez’ Breaking Barriers

On Sunday, for the first time since the Telluride Film Festival’s premiere of Jacques Audiard’s unique musical Emilia Pérez, the three leading stars — Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Selena Gomez — came together for a group interview. They discussed their personal experiences and the emotional journey while working on the film.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the actresses shared reflections on their close bond formed during the film’s creation. The movie centers on a frustrated lawyer and a cartel leader orchestrating a covert operation, without the spouse’s knowledge.

The discussion ventured into the challenges they faced while making Emilia Pérez, their characters’ complexities, and the profound impact the project is having on their careers. Their comments, lightly edited for clarity and translated for Gascón, who is a Spanish speaker, can be found below.

I’ve noticed many selfies and hugs between you! Can you talk about your bond?

Selena Gomez: I’m grateful for women who uplift me. This journey with Zoe and Karla has been incredible. We cheer each other on, which is rare.

Zoe Saldaña: The Cannes award was due to our collaboration and camaraderie. Rooting for each other was key.

Karla Sofía Gascón: We are like a family. Being with these amazing people and actresses is wonderful. Telluride has been an incredible place to reconnect.

How was the film initially pitched to you?

Gascón: They gave us a deep understanding of the movie with a pre-recorded video novel, which included music and dialogues.

Zoe, was the film originally supposed to be an opera?

Saldaña: Yes, Jacques shared his excitement rather than pitching it. It evolved from an opera to a musical, influenced by our rehearsals and contributions.

Selena, have you worked on a project that evolved like this before?

Gomez: Similar in Spring Breakers, directed by Harmony Korine. It was a challenging but rewarding experience, making me appreciate being part of great projects.

Karla, you’ve been acting for a long time. What was happening in your life when this film came your way?

Gascón: I was working in Mexico and living a tranquil life. Then this whirlwind started, which is surreal and dreamlike.

Karla, Jacques reimagined your character based on your input. How was that?

Gascón: It was an honor to build the character with Jacques, making Emilia Perez an incredible arc that actors dream of. The character evolved with my input, creating a more sensitive depiction of the trans experience.

Zoe and Selena, have you ever acted in Spanish before this film?

Saldaña: No, but it was a wish come true. Spanish is my native tongue, and this project combined all art forms I love.

Gomez: Rehearsing for three months was daunting, especially since I’m not fluent. But it was fun and connected me with my heritage.

Karla, playing Emilia before and after her transition — was that challenging?

Gascón: Extremely. Singing, dancing, and changing my voice were tough. The hardest part was leaving the character.

Shooting out of sequence must have been difficult?

Gascón: It was fun, though challenging. Embracing different parts of the character was exhilarating.

Zoe, your dance background must have helped with the opening number?

Saldaña: Rehearsal wasn’t extensive, but it allowed for spontaneity. Jacques’s evolving script kept us on our toes, fostering creativity.

Selena, singing “El Camino” might have been easier. What was your biggest challenge?

Gomez: Being comfortable with singing helped, but speaking different languages daily was daunting yet fun.

How has the film’s response impacted you all?

Saldaña: It’s gratifying to be recognized for a fundamental part of me. Having Jacques acknowledge us is healing. It’s led me back to my artistic roots.

Gomez: The recognition is humbling. I threw myself into this project, and receiving Cannes’ award felt special.

Karla, any final thoughts?

Gascón: Reflecting on this journey, I feel like the Joker — mocked and insulted, but now I have the chance to effect positive change.

Gomez: Amen.

Thank you so much.

Saldaña: I’m going to cry.

Gomez: Me too. Let’s have some tea and cry.

Gascón: Thank you.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter