Selena Gomez is speaking out after receiving mixed reactions to her performance in the 2024 film Emilia Pérez. The 32-year-old star, who recently released her joint album I Said I Love You First with fiancé Benny Blanco, is reaffirming her love for acting despite facing some criticism.
In a new interview with Vanity Fair, Gomez shared, “Acting has always been my first love. Music is just a hobby that got out of control,” highlighting her deep-rooted passion for the craft.
The Only Murders in the Building actress addressed the backlash after Mexican actor Eugenio Derbez commented on her Spanish-language performance in Emilia Pérez. During an appearance on the Hablando de Cine podcast, Derbez said, “Every time Selena had a scene, we would look at each other like, ‘Wow, what is this?’ I feel like they don’t speak Spanish.” He further criticized the film’s cultural authenticity, questioning how a movie set in Mexico could feel disconnected when the director does not speak English or Spanish.
In response, Selena Gomez gracefully acknowledged the concerns, saying, “I understand where you’re coming from. I’m sorry — I did the best I could with the time I was given. It doesn’t take away from how much work and heart I put into this movie.”
In a separate interview with Billboard, Gomez reflected on the challenges of the role: “I pushed myself into uncomfortable spaces, which as an actress are the most rewarding. It was a magical time, and working with Jacques Audiard was one of my best experiences. I’m taking my time now to find the right role and director, because I want it to be a challenge and something unexpected.”
Despite the mixed reactions, Selena Gomez’s performance was celebrated internationally. At the 77th Cannes Film Festival in May 2024, Gomez was awarded the prestigious Best Actress prize for her role in Emilia Pérez.
For those unfamiliar, Emilia Pérez is a musical crime drama that follows a Mexican lawyer tasked with helping a cartel boss transition into a woman named Emilia Pérez.
Selena Gomez’s ability to take on challenging roles and step out of her comfort zone is yet another testament to her evolution as a serious actress, solidifying her place in Hollywood’s new generation of leading talents.
