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

The actress turned heads in a dramatic look at the Toronto Film Festival

Emilia Pérez holds a special meaning for Selena Gomez.

During a Q&A following its Toronto Film Festival screening 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.

Related: Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña and Karla Sofía Gascón Stun in Trailer for Spanish-Language Musical Emilia Pérez

"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."

The Only Murders in the Building star, who also sings in the film confirmed she's never acted in Spanish before and admitted, "I was so nervous."

Related: Benny Blanco Gushes Over Selena Gomez’s Film Emilia Pérez: ‘One of the Best Movies I Have Ever Seen’

In addition to Gomez, the Jacques Audiard-directed film also includes Zoe Saldaña in its cast, playing a lawyer named Rita.

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Gomez broke down in tears at its premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival in May as the film received a minutes-long standing ovation, per Variety and Deadline.

Never one to disappoint with her fashion choices, Gomez and her stylist Erin Walsh put together two looks for the star: a rosy red custom Giambattista Valli gown for the Emilia Pérez photocall and a black-and-white Saint Laurent off-the-shoulder number for the movie's red carpet event.

In August, Gomez shared an Instagram video of the 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,"

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

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