Selena Gomez gets emotional at Cannes as 'Emilia Perez' garners 9-minute standing ovation, fans say 'she deserves all happiness'

Selena Gomez was visibly moved at the Cannes Film Festival when her film 'Emilia Perez' received a resounding nine-minute standing ovation
PUBLISHED MAY 19, 2024
Selena Gomez has earned the biggest standing ovation of this year’s Cannes Film Festival so far (Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Selena Gomez has earned the biggest standing ovation of this year’s Cannes Film Festival so far (Samir Hussein/WireImage)

CANNES, FRANCE: 'Emilia Perez,' a Spanish-language musical drama starring Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez, and Karla Sofia Gascon, has earned the biggest standing ovation of this year’s Cannes Film Festival so far.

Gomez, who was overwhelmed, wiped away tears as the Palais clapped for a full nine minutes, accompanied by plenty of hooting, whistling, and cheering, per E! News

Selena Gomez gets emotional as ‘Emilia Perez’ earns standing ovation

Director Jacques Audiard tipped his hat from the balcony during the standing ovation, while actors Saldana and Edgar Ramirez exchanged a heartfelt embrace. Gascon received a standing ovation for their role as a drug cartel boss who desires to undergo gender-affirming surgery.

Saldana plays Rita in the film, directed by Palme d'Or winner Audiard. Rita is an “overqualified and undervalued” attorney whose practice is more likely to assist criminals than pursue justice.

When dreaded drug cartel leader Manitas (Gascon) enlists her to help him covertly carry out a sex change operation to become the woman he's always wanted to be, she discovers an unexpected route out.

Gomez portrays his gullible spouse. Audiard referred to the film as an “opera libretto in four acts” in an exclusive interview with Variety, citing the performers' spontaneous creative song performances as narrative developments.

The filmmaker is a regular at the Cannes Film Festival, winning the Palme d’Or in 2015 for 'Deephan.' His first film, 1994’s 'Watch the Men Fall,' was selected for Critics’ Week at Cannes and won three Cesar awards, including best first work.

The French filmmaker has had a total of six films in the official selection, including 'A Prophet,' 'Of Rust and Bone,' 'The Olympiads' and 'Emilia Perez.' 

Emilia Pérez is a co-production of Saint Laurent Productions, Pathé, France 2 Cinema, and the French production companies Why Not Productions and Page 114. The film will be shown in French theaters thanks to the acquisition of the French distribution rights by Pathé. (Getty Images)
'Emilia Perez' is a co-production of Saint Laurent Productions, Pathe, France 2 Cinema, and the French production companies Why Not Productions and Page 114 (Getty Images)

'Emilia Perez' is a co-production of Saint Laurent Productions, Pathe, France 2 Cinéma, and the French production companies Why Not Productions and Page 114. The film will be shown in French theaters following the acquisition of French distribution rights by Pathe.

Internet praises Selena Gomez as 'Emilia Perez' gets standing ovation

Fans are enthusiastically showering her and her film with praise, expressing admiration and acclaim. A user said, "We are so proud of Selena - she deserves all the happiness in the world." 

Another said, "Finally getting the credit she deserves."

Another user added, "She totally deserve this after all that she has been through a true fighter and role model love her."

A user said, "Selena is an incredibly impressive personality, its like anything she touches turns to gold. And she has a Rare beauty on top of all. Someone who worked so hard almost her whole life and yet remained so humble deserves a standing ovation and more."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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