Selena Gomez cried when the film “Emilia Pérez” received a 9-minute standing ovation at its premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.

According to Variety, Jacques Audiard’s work was the most acclaimed by the audience so far this festival season. When the film ended, the audience stood up and applauded, cheered, and whistled, expressing their appreciation for Sofia Gascón, the lead actress who played Manitas – the drug cartel leader. In response, Audiard waved his hat, while Selena Gomez burst into tears, and Zoe Saldana and Édgar Ramírez hugged each other, visibly moved.

In the film, Selena Gomez plays Jessi, Manitas’ wife. Zoe Saldana portrays Rita, a highly qualified lawyer who is underestimated. Her firm tends to assist criminals rather than seek justice. Rita finds an unexpected escape when Manitas recruits her to help him execute his gender transition plan.

Hollywood Reporter critic David Rooney commented that Gomez effectively conveyed the tough and vulnerable aspects of a woman whose life is turned upside down. “Her fans will surely be thrilled to know that Gomez sings some songs in the film,” he said.

Emilia Pérez is the French director’s tenth film. The story follows the journey of a Mexican drug lord who is assisted by a lawyer in fleeing the troubles of his business and transitioning genders.

Saint Laurent’s creative director Anthony Vaccarello served as a producer and oversaw the costume design for the film. Other producers include Audiard, Pascal Caucheteux, and Valerie Schermann. According to Variety, in addition to competing for the Palme d’Or, Emilia Pérez is also eligible for the Queer Palm, an award that recognizes films dealing with LGBTQ themes.

Jacques Audiard previously won the Palme d’Or in 2015 for Dheepan. His debut film, Watch the Men Fall (1994), was selected for the Cannes Critics’ Week and won three César awards, including Best First Film. The filmmaker has had six Cannes competition entries, including A Prophet, Of Rust and Bone, and The Olympiads. His other notable works include Paris, 13th District, The Sisters Brothers, Read My Lips, A Self-Made Hero, and See How They Fall.