Introduction

Selena Gomez has bravely stepped into the spotlight with her latest Netflix release, "Emilia Pérez," a Spanish-language musical-comedy that debuted on November 13. The movie follows a lawyer's journey as she helps a drug lord carve out a fresh start, showcasing both comedic and dramatic elements. However, it wasn't just the film's plot that captured attention; Gomez's performance drew mixed reactions, notably regarding her command of the Spanish language.

Selena's Dedication and Preparation

In preparation for this role, Selena dedicated six months to relearning Spanish, a language she felt she had lost touch with since childhood when her acting career began at just seven years old. While her efforts were acknowledged by some, including speculation of potential Oscar recognition, criticism soon surfaced from the film community.

Criticism from the Film Community

Eugenio Derbez, known for his roles in "CODA" and "Dora and the Lost City of Gold," voiced his discontent during a recent episode of the "Hablando de Cine con" podcast. He noted, 'Selena is indefensible,' indicating that audiences struggled to connect with her performance, prompting whispers of disbelief among viewers.

Podcast host Gaby Meza chimed in, highlighting Selena's considerable achievements, like her Emmy nomination for "Only Murders in the Building," but still declared her portrayal in "Emilia" as 'unconvincing.' He argued that since Spanish isn't Selena's primary language, it affected her ability to convey nuanced emotions, rendering her performance 'not only unconvincing but uncomfortable.'

Selena's Response on Social Media

After the podcast segment gained traction on social media, Selena took to TikTok to address the backlash directly. 'I understand where you are coming from. I'm sorry I did the best I could with the time I was given,' she posted, affirming her dedication to the project.

Support and Defense from Fans

Fans rallied in support of Selena, with one commenter expressing heartbreak over her situation, garnering over 25,000 likes. Others defended her portrayal, noting her character's American background and suggesting that her accent fit perfectly within the narrative context.

Constructive Criticism