Zoe Saldaña’s hidden talents shine in ‘Emilia Pérez’
For nearly two decades, Zoe Saldaña has graced the silver screen in some of the highest-grossing films of all time, including Avatar and Avengers: Endgame. Despite her impressive track record, Hollywood has often overlooked the full spectrum of her talents. In Jacques Audiard’s latest film, Emilia Pérez, Saldaña finally gets the chance to showcase her versatility, playing Rita Moro Castro in a role that demands both singing and dancing. One standout moment, the high-energy number “El Mal,” reveals a ferocity and depth that left me questioning why it took so long for Hollywood to recognize her full potential.
A new chapter for Saldaña
During a recent interview, I shared my frustrations with a film festival executive, who assured me, “That all stops now.” It seems that Saldaña is poised to be a major contender in the upcoming awards season. Her performance in Emilia Pérez is reminiscent of Catherine Zeta-Jones’s Oscar-winning turn as Velma Kelly in Chicago (2002). There’s a palpable sense that Saldaña could follow a similar path this year.
But Emilia Pérez is not just a showcase for Saldaña. The film, a compelling musical crime drama, is a testament to Audiard’s directorial prowess. Often referred to as the ”French Martin Scorsese,” Audiard has won the Palme d’Or twice but has yet to receive an Academy Award nomination. This year, that could change, with potential nods for Best Picture, Director, or Screenplay.
A stellar ensemble cast
The film features an impressive ensemble cast, including Karla Sofía Gascón in the titular role, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz. The four actresses shared the Best Actress prize at Cannes, making them strong contenders for Academy recognition. Gascón, in particular, aims to make history as the first trans woman nominated for Best Actress.
Selena Gomez, who plays Jessi Del Monte, Emilia’s wife, has two standout moments in the film, especially with the song “El Camino.” Her performance could very well earn her a spot in the Supporting Actress category. Gomez’s presence at the festival has not gone unnoticed, with fans eagerly hoping for a surprise appearance.
The musical landscape of 2023
In a year brimming with musicals like Better Man, Piece by Piece, The End, and the highly anticipated Wicked, Audiard’s film stands out. Netflix, which acquired the film at Cannes, is going all-in, hoping to secure its first Best Picture Oscar with this unique drama.
Expect Emilia Pérez to be a strong contender across various categories, including Cinematography (Paul Guillaume), Editing (Juliette Welfing), and Music by the composing duo Clément Ducol and Camille. The Spanish-language film is also vying to be France’s official selection in this year’s International Feature race. It’s been over 30 years since France last won in this category, and Netflix is hopeful that Emilia Pérez will bring the victory back to France.
The road to the Oscars
As the weekend progresses, it will be interesting to see how attendees respond to the film as it begins its journey on the awards circuit. With its compelling narrative, stellar performances, and Audiard’s masterful direction, Emilia Pérez is well-positioned to make a significant impact at the 97th Academy Awards.
For those eager to dive deeper into the world of Emilia Pérez, you can watch the trailer and explore more about the film. This is a movie that not only entertains but also challenges the norms, making it a must-watch for cinema enthusiasts.
In the realm of music, the film’s soundtrack is equally captivating. You can listen to the standout tracks on Spotify. The music, composed by Clément Ducol and Camille, adds another layer of depth to the film, making it a holistic experience for the audience.
As we look forward to the awards season, it’s clear that Emilia Pérez is a film that will be talked about for months to come. Whether it’s the performances, the direction, or the music, this film has all the elements of a classic in the making.