The new Spanish-language musical crime drama “Emilia Pérez” from acclaimed French director Jacques Audiard has generated significant buzz leading up to awards season. The film stars Zoe Saldana, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Selena Gomez in standout performances.
Zoe Saldana has long been known for her blockbuster roles in films like “Avatar” and “Avengers.” In “Emilia Pérez,” she plays Rita Moro Castro and showcases her singing and dancing talents in what critics call a revelatory performance. One memorable musical number, “El Mal,” has received special praise, with some comparing Saldana’s impact to Catherine Zeta-Jones’s Oscar-winning role in “Chicago.” Telluride Film Festival executive director Julie Huntsinger said the role could change Saldana’s career, stating it ends her lack of chances to display her full acting range. Industry insiders now speculate whether Saldana will campaign for a lead or supporting Oscar nomination.
Karla Sofía Gascón delivers the title role of Emilia Pérez. She has also generated awards buzz, and if nominated would make history as the first transgender woman up for Best Actress. Selena Gomez, known for the TV show “Only Murders in the Building,” offers a notable role as Emilia’s wife Jessi Del Monte. Her performance of the song “El Camino” emerges as a standout moment for Academy voters.
At Telluride, “Emilia Pérez” received extra attention as part of a tribute to director Jacques Audiard. The 72-year-old filmmaker has won Cannes’ top Palme d’Or prize twice but never an Oscar nomination, something this film may change as he seems poised for Best Picture, Director, and Screenplay nominations. The cinematography, editing, songwriting and other technical aspects have also sparked discussion of possible nominations.
Netflix acquired “Emilia Pérez” at Cannes and plans a significant awards campaign, hoping it achieves the streaming service’s first Best Picture Oscar. Some speculate France may even choose it as its official International Feature Film submission, potentially ending a 30-year drought in that category. As the film continues its festival run and wider release, all eyes will watch to see if it maintains momentum to turn critical love into Oscar gold.
