Selena Gomez opens up about criticism over Spanish skills in "Emilia Pérez": "I pushed myself into uncomfortable spaces"

Selena Gomez is no stranger to the pressures of balancing her cultural identity, and her character in Emilia Pérez has brought those challenges to the fore.

In an interview with Billboard on April 24, she set the record straight: to emphasize the importance of staying true to her character and her artistry.

The interview comes after she faced harsh feedback over her Spanish-speaking skills in the movie, but for Gomez:

“It was a magical time and working with [director] Jacques [Audiard] was one of my best experiences.”

Gomez starred as Jessica “Jessi" Del Monte in the Jacques Audiard-directed film, which follows an American who lives in Mexico.

The How Does It Feel To Be Forgotten hitmaker’s fluency was an important part of the narrative given its setting. But following the movie’s premiere, critics skewered Gomez’s performance and questioned her ability to speak the language.

In response, Gomez remains resolute, stating that the experience of working on Emilia Pérez was one of her most rewarding as an actress.

“I am taking my time to find the right role and director to work with next because I want it to be a challenge and unexpected.”

She added

“I pushed myself into uncomfortable spaces which as an actress are the most rewarding.”

This isn't the first time Gomez’s Latin heritage has played a pivotal role in her work. From her portrayal of Mabel Mora in Only Murders in the Building to her musical collaborations, the influence of her background is ever-present.

She has also ventured into music in a big way with her song Ojos Tristes, a reimagination of Jeanette’s El Muchacho De Los Ojos Tristes (1981) with The Marías. The song reached the Top 5 of the Hot Latin Songs chart (as of April 5), which showcases Gomez’s deep connection to her roots.

Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco’s Sunset Blvd, born from a real-life love story — songwriter reveals

Selena Gomez's latest release, Sunset Blvd, draws directly from her love story with producer fiancé Benny Blanco.

The track, featured on their collaborative album I Said I Love You First, was co-written with songwriter Kiddo AI. In a recent interview with Billboard, Kiddo shared insights into the song's creation, saying:

“It really came out of nowhere. I think Benny or [songwriter] Michael Pollack was playing the keys, and we all just started singing this hook melody.”

The breakthrough came when the phrase "Sunset Blvd" was mentioned, prompting the couple to recall an important memory. Kiddo added:

“I don’t remember who said ‘Sunset Blvd,’ but it just made so much sense because then Benny and Selena were like, ‘Wait, that’s where we had our first date.’”

The song was completed in about an hour, with Kiddo noting:

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“It was great to be able to help them say what they wanted to say. We wrote it in, I think, an hour. It basically wrote itself.”

Sunset Blvd is the third single from Gomez and Blanco’s I Said I Love You First, unveiled on March 21, 2025. Featuring 14 tracks, the joint album includes Call Me When You Break Up (feat. Gracie Abrams) and Scared of Loving You.

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