Selena Gomez had 'magical' time on Emilia Perez

Perth Now

25-04-2025

Selena Gomez found making 'Emilia Perez' "magical" and "rewarding".
The 32-year-old singer-and-actress faced criticism for her accent and apparent difficulty with the dialogue in the Spanish-language film but she relished the challenge and praised the musical's director Jacques Audiard.
She told Billboard: 'I pushed myself into uncomfortable spaces which as an actress are the most rewarding.
"It was a magical time and working with [director] Jacques Audiard was one of my best experiences.'
The 'Only Murders in the Building' star won't rush into taking on another movie role because she wants to find the right "challenge".
And when it comes to her next acting gig, the Only Murders in the Building star is willing to be challenged again.
She said: 'I am taking my time to find the right role and director to work with next. Because I want it to be a challenge and unexpected.'
Selena previously defended her performance after Eugenio Derbez branded her scenes "indefensible".
Speaking on the 'Hablando de Cine' podcast, the 'Miracles from Heaven' star said: "Selena is indefensible. I was there [watching the movie] with people, and every time a scene came [with her in it], we looked at each other to say, 'Wow, what is this?'"
Podcast host Gaby Meza subsequently observed that Selena is a "very talented actress" and a "very good singer" but suggested the former Disney star had struggled performing in Spanish, describing the actress' efforts as "unconvincing" and "uncomfortable".
Gaby said: "Spanish is neither her primary nor secondary language nor fifth. And that's why I feel she doesn't know what she is saying, and if she doesn't know what she's saying, she can't give her acting any nuance … And that is why her performance is not only unconvincing but uncomfortable."
Eugenio then added: "I'm glad you're saying that because I was saying, 'I can't believe no one is talking about it?'"
Selena - who has Mexican and Italian ancestry - later took to TikTok to defend herself.
She commented: "I understand where you are coming from ... I'm sorry I did the best I could with the time I was given. Doesn't take away from how much work and heart I put into this movie."
Eugenio later apologised for his "careless" remarks.
He wrote on TikTok: "I truly apologise for my careless comments - they are indefensible and go against everything I stand for.
'As Latinos, we should always support one another. There's no excuse. I was wrong, and I deeply admire your career and your kind heart.
''Emilia Pérez' deserves to be celebrated, not diminished by my thoughtless remarks. I'm walking away from this with an important lesson learned. While I understand if you cannot accept my apology, please know it comes from the heart. With all my love and admiration, Eugenio Derbez.'