Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña, and Édgar Ramírez Discuss Political Themes in 'Emilia Perez' at Cannes

The illustrious cast of the Cannes sensation "Emilia Perez" delved into the film’s intricate political nuances during a press conference on Sunday.

Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña, and Édgar Ramírez engaged with inquiries concerning the film’s depiction of Mexico—a nation riven by cartel turmoil as it approaches a pivotal summer election. A Mexican journalist inquired if the actors could reconcile the film’s aesthetic allure with the rampant corruption in the real world.

Saldaña, reflecting on her personal ties to the culture, remarked, "I've resided in LA for two decades. Mexican culture is profoundly significant to me, as I have numerous relatives there. Indeed, injustice and corruption are ubiquitous. However, I am grateful to Jacques for his creative ingenuity and liberty in crafting this narrative."

Gomez echoed Saldaña’s sentiments, adding, "I resonate deeply with what Zoe articulated. My familial roots remain in Mexico, and growing up in Texas was another chapter of my life. Overall, it was a magnificent experience."

Ramírez, with poetic introspection, addressed the broader Latin American experience: "I visit frequently, and there’s a notion of exile—yet it’s an exile within oneself. Viewing our film last night, the familiar world seemed to vanish and then reemerge. This phenomenon is widespread in America. We barely recognize the country we inhabit, but we cannot abandon it," he mused. "We, as Latin Americans, must create and celebrate as though hope is perpetually on the horizon, propelling our destinies forward."

Mexican actress Adriana Paz offered the most poignant and candid commentary on her homeland's harsh realities.

"I reside in Mexico and face fear daily. Venturing outside alone at night is perilous. It's imperative to educate and prepare people, given the myriad of issues," she lamented.

"Emilia Pérez" garnered the most extended ovation at Cannes thus far, with a resounding nine minutes of applause during its premiere on Saturday night. Gomez, visibly moved, was seen wiping away tears as the Palais reverberated with cheers, whistles, and sustained clapping.

The film, helmed by Palme d’Or laureate Audiard, features Saldaña as Rita, an "overqualified and undervalued" attorney, whose firm predominantly assists criminals rather than pursuing justice. She discovers an unforeseen escape when a notorious drug cartel leader, Manitas (Gascón), enlists her to clandestinely facilitate a sex change operation, allowing him to become the woman he has always aspired to be. Gomez portrays his unsuspecting spouse.

"Emilia Pérez" is among the most anticipated films at Cannes, rivalling projects like Ali Abbasi’s Donald Trump biopic "The Apprentice" and the Pamela Anderson-starring "Last Showgirl." Apart from vying for Audiard’s second Palme d’Or, the film is also in contention for the Queer Palm, an accolade honoring films with LGBTQ themes, adjudicated by a jury led by Belgian filmmaker Lukas Dhont.