At the Telluride Film Festival, stars Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Selena Gomez sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to reflect on their groundbreaking film, Emilia Pérez, and the impact it’s having on their careers. The trio, who shared the Best Actress award at Cannes, opened up about their personal and professional journeys, the film’s evolution, and the unique bond they’ve developed.
On Their Bond and Journey Together:
Selena Gomez: “I’m deeply grateful for these women who lift me up. Our connection is special, and it’s rare to find such supportive relationships in this industry. We genuinely cheer for each other, which is beautiful.”
Zoe Saldaña: “Our Cannes win was a testament to our collaboration and support for one another. We were rooting for each other from the start, and having that recognition felt truly rewarding.”
Karla Sofía Gascón: “We’ve become a close-knit family. Being here in Telluride, surrounded by nature and enthusiastic crowds, has been an unexpected delight. I never imagined such a vibrant film community in a small town in Colorado.”
On the Film’s Unique Evolution:
Karla Sofía Gascón: “We were given a comprehensive preview, almost like a video novel, which helped us understand our roles. The process of the film evolved continuously.”
Zoe Saldaña: “Jacques [Audiard] doesn’t pitch movies; he shares his excitement and if you’re invited, you say yes. The film was initially envisioned as an opera but evolved into something more musical. The creative process was fluid and improvisational.”
Selena Gomez: “I’ve experienced a similar evolution with other projects, like Spring Breakers. Working with innovative filmmakers challenges you as an actor, which is thrilling.”
On Personal Reflections and Career Impact:
Selena Gomez: “Jacques was drawn to my work in Spring Breakers without knowing much else about me. It felt like a fresh start and made me feel like I earned the role.”
Karla Sofía Gascón: “At the time, I was working in Mexico and living a quieter life. The whirlwind of this film has been surreal, and I’m eager to see where it leads.”
On Changing the Narrative:
Karla Sofía Gascón: “The character I played was a dream role, and Jacques reimagined it to reflect a more sensitive and accurate portrayal of the trans experience. His ability to adapt the film to highlight our strengths was extraordinary.”
The conversation underscored not just the film’s creative journey but also the personal growth and camaraderie shared by Saldaña, Gomez, and Gascón. Emilia Pérez is already reshaping their careers and redefining how they are seen in the industry.
