Selena Gomez Was ‘So Nervous’ to Star in Her First Spanish-Speaking Film ‘Emilia Pérez,’ Says Her Character Is ‘Similar to Myself’

Mar. 15, 2025

Selena Gomez attends the premiere of ‘Emilia Perez’ during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.Photo:Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu via Getty

Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu via Getty

Emilia Pérezholds a special meaning forSelena Gomez.During a Q&A following itsToronto Film Festivalscreening on Monday, Sept. 9, Gomez, 32, revealed why the film, which marks her first Spanish-speaking role, means a lot to her.“It was actually really interesting because I ultimately ended up getting to develop a character who is very similar to myself,” said Gomez. She plays Jessi Del Monte, the wife of drug cartel leader Emilia Pérez (Karla Sofía Gascón), who tries to fake her death.Selena Gomez attends the premiere of ‘Emilia Perez’ during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu via Getty"And actually, I believe a lot of Latinx communities in America. I think it’s also everywhere. But I, I’m just really, I’m really glad that we were able to make her Latin American because that’s who I am," continued Gomez.“I can understand when anyone has a conversation but do not ask me to answer,” she said. “And I, I’m really grateful though that we were able to pull that off.“TheOnly Murders in the Buildingstar,who also sings in the filmconfirmed she’s never acted in Spanish before and admitted, “I was so nervous.“In addition to Gomez, theJacques Audiard-directed film also includesZoe Saldañain its cast, playing alawyer named Rita.The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!Gomez broke down in tears at its premiere at the2024 Cannes Film Festivalin May as the filmreceived a minutes-long standing ovation, perVarietyandDeadline.Selena Gomez attends the premiere of ‘Emilia Perez’ during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu via GettyNever one to disappoint with her fashion choices, Gomez and her stylist Erin Walsh put together two looks for the star: arosy red custom Giambattista Valli gownfor theEmilia Pérezphotocall and ablack-and-white Saint Laurent off-the-shoulder numberfor the movie’s red carpet event.In August, Gomez shared anInstagram videoofthe emotional moment she found out she got the movie role, in which she could be heard saying, “I can’t believe I got the movie! I’m so gonna cry right now, I don’t want to cry,“Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Emilia Pérezis in select theaters Nov. 1, then streaming on Netflix Nov. 13.

Emilia Pérezholds a special meaning forSelena Gomez.

During a Q&A following itsToronto Film Festivalscreening on Monday, Sept. 9, Gomez, 32, revealed why the film, which marks her first Spanish-speaking role, means a lot to her.

“It was actually really interesting because I ultimately ended up getting to develop a character who is very similar to myself,” said Gomez. She plays Jessi Del Monte, the wife of drug cartel leader Emilia Pérez (Karla Sofía Gascón), who tries to fake her death.

Selena Gomez attends the premiere of ‘Emilia Perez’ during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu via Getty

“And actually, I believe a lot of Latinx communities in America. I think it’s also everywhere. But I, I’m just really, I’m really glad that we were able to make her Latin American because that’s who I am,” continued Gomez.

“I can understand when anyone has a conversation but do not ask me to answer,” she said. “And I, I’m really grateful though that we were able to pull that off.”

TheOnly Murders in the Buildingstar,who also sings in the filmconfirmed she’s never acted in Spanish before and admitted, “I was so nervous.”

In addition to Gomez, theJacques Audiard-directed film also includesZoe Saldañain its cast, playing alawyer named Rita.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Gomez broke down in tears at its premiere at the2024 Cannes Film Festivalin May as the filmreceived a minutes-long standing ovation, perVarietyandDeadline.

Never one to disappoint with her fashion choices, Gomez and her stylist Erin Walsh put together two looks for the star: arosy red custom Giambattista Valli gownfor theEmilia Pérezphotocall and ablack-and-white Saint Laurent off-the-shoulder numberfor the movie’s red carpet event.

In August, Gomez shared anInstagram videoofthe emotional moment she found out she got the movie role, in which she could be heard saying, “I can’t believe I got the movie! I’m so gonna cry right now, I don’t want to cry,”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Emilia Pérezis in select theaters Nov. 1, then streaming on Netflix Nov. 13.

source: people.com