Selena Gomez has finally responded to the controversies surrounding the Oscar-nominated Netflix film, Emilia Pérez. Though the movie was initially lauded by industry critics, it has also received a fair amount of backlash in the months since its release, but Selena has shared that she’s still happy to have been a part of it.
Speaking at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival this weekend, she said (via The Independent): “I’m good. I’m really good. Some of the magic has disappeared, but I choose to continue to be proud of what I’ve done. And I’m just grateful.”
She added for good measure: “I live with no regrets and I would do this movie over and over again if I could.”
In the weeks after the film’s release, Selena was criticised by some viewers for her Spanish accent. Selena has previously stated that she lost fluency over the years, and responding to the criticism in December she said: “I understand where you are coming from. I’m sorry I did the best I could with the time I was given. Doesn’t take away from how much work and heart I put into this movie.”
Though Emilia Pérez was released in November, it has faced increasing scrutiny since being nominated for a number of awards. Notably, it has a whopping 13 Oscar nominations, including Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón, Best Supporting Actress for Zoë Saldaña, and Best Director for Jacques Audiard. Among other things, it has been criticised for the musical numbers and its portrayal of Mexican culture.
Meanwhile, Gascón has been at the heart of the controversy after some of her old tweets resurfaced, in which she had made disparaging comments about various ethnic groups. The actress has since apologised for her comments, saying in a statement: “As someone in a marginalised community, I know this suffering all too well and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain. All my life I have fought for a better world. I believe light will always triumph over darkness.”
Gascón has also vowed to remain silent in the run-up to the Oscars, but has not withdrawn from consideration.