Selena Gomez has spoken out in defense of her performance in Emilia Perez after receiving criticism from actor Eugenio Derbez. According to Deadline, in a recent episode of the Hablando de Cine podcast, Eugenio described Jesse Del Monte’s portrayal of Selena in the musical crime comedy as “inexcusable”, specifically pointing out her struggle speaking Spanish for the role. (Also Read | Emilia Perez review: Don’t blame Selena Gomez, but her new movie is a mess)
In Emilia Pérez, Selena plays Jessie, a character in a bilingual film that alternates between Spanish and English. Although Selena is not fluent in Spanish, she took on the challenge of speaking the language in the film, a decision that Eugenio did not like. He shared his thoughts on the podcast, stating his dissatisfaction with Selena’s performance.
“Selena is indefensible,” Eugenio said, “I watched the movie with people, and every time she had a scene, we’d look at each other and say, ‘Wow, what is this?'”
Podcast host, Gabi Meza acknowledged Selena’s acting talent, and cited her nomination for Only Murders in the Building. However, she argued that since Spanish is not her first language, the nuances of her performance were lost.
“She can’t give any nuance to her acting if she doesn’t know what she’s saying,” Gabby explained. Eugenio supported this viewpoint, saying, “I’m glad you’re saying that because I said, ‘Why isn’t anyone talking about it?'”
Eugenio, who starred in the Oscar-winning film CODA, expressed confusion as to why Selena’s performance was not challenged, especially given her recognition on the awards circuit.
He speculated that audiences might overlook the flatness of the acting due to reliance on subtitles rather than understanding the original language.
“I feel like they don’t speak Spanish,” Eugenio commented, “if you watch a Russian movie or a German movie that’s subtitled in Spanish and you see someone [speaking in the original language]You say, ‘Oh, look. Ok! Interesting,” according to Deadline.
Eugenio also pointed out that Emilia Pérez’s director, Jacques Audiard, does not speak Spanish or English, which he believes may contribute to the film’s disconnect from its Mexican setting and culture.
“How strange is it that a director… Apart from Selena, I liked the movie [scenes] It attacks you, because there are things worth saving in it.” He compared the situation to making a film in Russian without understanding the culture or the language, while speaking in French.
After a clip of the podcast was shared on TikTok, Selena responded directly to the criticism. According to Deadline, in the post she wrote, “I understand where you’re coming from. I’m sorry I did my best in the time I was given. No matter how much work and heart I put in In this film.”
Emilia Pérez is a musical crime drama written and directed by Jacques Audiard, starring Zoe Saldana, Adriana Paz, Mark Ivanir and Edgar Ramirez. The plot revolves around a cartel leader who seeks the help of a lawyer to help him disappear and transform into a woman.
