Selena Gomez, Édgar Ramírez, Zoé Saldaña & Karla Sofía Gastón shine at a very Latino Cannes 2024

The Cannes Film Festival 2024 witnessed a dazzling display of Latino star power and talent as Selena Gómez, Édgar Ramírez, Zoé Saldaña, and Karla Sofía Gastón graced the premiere of their movie "Emilia Perez." This musical crime comedy, directed by the acclaimed Jacques Audiard, captivated audiences and critics alike with its unique storyline and stellar performances.

They weren't the only ones, Salma Hayek, Anya Taylor-Joy, Eva Longoria and Eiza González also turned heads at the iconic French film festival, in which 19 movies compite for the desired and iconic award, the Palme d'Or.

The impact of a Latino cast

Emilia Perez tells the riveting story of a Mexican cartel boss who undergoes gender reassignment surgery to evade the authorities and embrace her true identity. The film, featuring Mexican transgender actress Karla Sofía Gastón in the titular role, is a bold and ambitious project that explores themes of identity, transformation, and liberation.

The world premiere at Cannes was met with a nine-minute standing ovation, signifying its powerful impact on the audience​

Selena Gómez, who plays a significant role in the film, marked her return to the big screen with a performance that critics are calling one of her best. This film also represents Gómez's first Spanish-language film, adding a personal touch to her involvement as she embraces her cultural heritage​. "The hardest part was the Spanish," admitted Gomez at the red carpet. "I spoke only Spanish for a year with my dad. It was difficult, but I loved to recover the language of my childhood."

Latino actors Zoé Saldaña and Édgar Ramírez, known for their versatility and compelling screen presence, delivered outstanding performances that further elevated the film's reception.

Karla Sofía Gastón's portrayal of "Emilia Pérez" is particularly noteworthy. As a prominent Mexican transgender actress, Gastón's role in such a high-profile film is a significant step for transgender representation in mainstream cinema. Her performance has been described as both powerful and transformative, capturing the complexities of her character with depth and sensitivity.

The film's premiere was not just a cinematic event but also a fashion spectacle. The cast, wore custom-designed Saint Laurent outfits by Anthony Vaccarello, and turned heads on the red carpet. The elegant and bold fashion choices perfectly complemented the film's daring and avant-garde spirit​.

"Emilia Pérez" stands out not only for its compelling narrative and performances but also for its production. The film was shot in a studio near Paris, offering a meticulously crafted backdrop that adds to its visual appeal. Audiard's decision to film in a controlled environment allowed for greater artistic freedom, especially in the film's choreographed and musical sequences​​.

As the festival progresses, "Emilia Pérez"continues to be a hot topic among critics and attendees. Its nomination for the prestigious Palme d'Or highlights its potential to be one of the standout films of the year​. With its powerful story and standout performances, "Emilia Pérez"is a testament to the transformative power of cinema, resonating with audiences worldwide.

México and Argentina in Cannes

The Latino presence at the French Riviera also came courtesy of Salma Hayek, Eva Longoria, Eiza González, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Renata Notni, among others.

The first two actresses attended the premiere of "Emilia Pérez." Longoria and Eiza González were part of the Red Sea International Film Festival's Women in Cinema Gala in Cannes.

Miami born Argentinian raised actress Taylor-Joy was promoting her movie "Furiosa," part of the "Mad Max" universe, which opens next Friday. Notni was invited by the cosmetic brand L'Oreal.