Selena Gomez went all out for her role in the upcoming musical film Emilia Pérez, and her audition was nothing short of memorable.
At the Los Angeles premiere on October 21, Gomez, 32, revealed to The Hollywood Reporter how director Jacques Audiard pushed her to give an extreme performance for the part of Jessi Del Monte, wife of a cartel leader in the movie. The Only Murders in the Building star recalled Audiard’s unconventional instruction: “He told me, ‘Act drunk and throw your shoes if you want… just go crazy.’ And I was like, ‘Oh? OK.’”
The audition involved a high-energy musical scene called “Bienvenida,” where Gomez’s character expresses frustration over her husband’s transformation into a trans woman, Emilia Pérez, portrayed by Spanish actress Karla Sofía Gascón.
“I did it once, and [Audiard] said, ‘Go crazier.’ So I went all out. I was standing on furniture, blacked out, and danced like a mad woman — I guess like a drunk mad woman,” Gomez shared. “It was a very crazy experience, but I just gave it everything.”
Her fearless audition paid off, as she landed the role. Gomez later shared the emotional moment she learned she got the part in an Instagram video in August.
Emilia Pérez, set to debut on Netflix on November 13, has already made waves after its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. The film received a standing ovation, and its female ensemble, including Gascón, won the prestigious Jury Prize and Best Actress award. Gascón became the first openly trans actor to earn a major accolade at Cannes.
The film, which also stars Zoe Saldaña and Édgar Ramírez, tells the story of a ruthless cartel leader, Emilia, who fakes her death with the help of an underappreciated lawyer, played by Saldaña, to live life as her true self. The musical features original songs performed by the cast, with music composed by French pop star Camille.
When asked if she provided any vocal coaching to her castmates, Gomez said, “They didn’t need it. Did you see Zoe? That girl does not need any tips. If anything, I need the tips!”
As for the film’s awards potential, Gomez remained humble: “I don’t want to be presumptuous, but I’m just happy people are receiving it the way they are.”
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