Selena Gomez is one of those stars who always seems to be in the headlines, whether it’s for her music, acting, or even her personal life. Recently, though, it wasn’t a new album release or a viral Instagram post that had people talking. Instead, it was her response to a critique by Eugenio Derbez about her portrayal of Emilia Pérez in the film Emilia Pérez. But before we dive into Selena’s reaction and why it’s causing such a stir, let’s take a step back and understand the situation a little better.
The Critique That Started It All
Eugenio Derbez, a Mexican actor and comedian well-known for his comedic chops and dramatic roles, recently shared his thoughts on Selena Gomez’s performance in Emilia Pérez. Now, we all know that actors and directors sometimes don’t always see eye to eye, and that’s perfectly normal. But Derbez’s comments stirred up quite the debate.
In an interview, Derbez expressed that he felt Selena’s performance was a bit “flat” and that it didn’t fully capture the essence of the character Emilia Pérez. He went on to say that he believed the role required a deeper, more intense performance to truly connect with the audience and honor the character’s complexity.
For some, it felt like a straightforward critique from one professional to another. But for others, especially fans of Selena Gomez, it didn’t sit too well. They felt that Derbez’s comments were unnecessarily harsh, especially given that Selena has been a respected figure in the entertainment world for years. So, how did Selena respond to this?
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Selena Gomez’s Response: Standing Strong
It didn’t take long for Selena Gomez to respond to the criticism, and as expected, she did so with grace, poise, and a healthy dose of confidence. In a heartfelt social media post, Selena addressed the critique, explaining that playing Emilia Pérez was one of the most challenging and rewarding roles of her career.
Selena acknowledged that acting is an art, and like any art form, it’s subjective. What one person might see as a “flat” performance, another might view as subtle, nuanced, or even refreshing. She went on to explain how the role helped her grow as an artist, pushing her to step outside her comfort zone and tackle complex emotional depths she hadn’t explored before.
The Growth Through the Role
Selena’s response really resonated with many of her fans and fellow actors. She didn’t take the critique personally; instead, she used it as an opportunity to reflect on her own growth as an artist. Emilia Pérez was an entirely different kind of role for Selena. Known for her earlier roles in Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place and later, her success in 13 Reasons Why as an executive producer, Selena’s portrayal of Emilia was a huge departure from the roles she’s typically associated with. Emilia was a character who required a more mature, layered performance, and Selena took on that challenge headfirst.
Selena pointed out that, while Derbez’s critique might not have been the most favorable, it pushed her to assess her approach to acting and how she can continue improving in the future. In many ways, that’s a hallmark of a true artist—someone who takes feedback, whether good or bad, and uses it to fuel their creative journey.
What Makes Selena’s Performance in Emilia Pérez Stand Out
One of the reasons Selena’s portrayal of Emilia Pérez struck a chord with viewers, even if some critics didn’t immediately appreciate it, is that it was so different from what many expected. Selena didn’t just play a role; she embodied a complex character who was dealing with a lot of internal conflict. She showed a vulnerability that many fans hadn’t seen from her before, and that raw emotion drew people in.
It wasn’t about the loud, dramatic moments (although there were some). It was about the quiet moments—the subtle shifts in her character that revealed layers over time. That’s where Selena’s experience in Emilia Pérez really shined: She brought a level of authenticity to the role that felt real, even when the character’s journey was difficult to understand.
In fact, many fans on social media praised Selena for taking risks and stepping out of her usual comfort zone. Acting in such a complex role required courage, and while some critics didn’t immediately appreciate it, many viewers recognized the effort and commitment Selena put into her performance.
The Importance of Artistic Evolution
Selena’s experience with Emilia Pérez is a perfect example of why it’s important for artists to continue evolving and trying new things. While many people might have expected her to continue down the familiar path of Disney-esque roles or pop star music videos, Selena chose to explore a more serious, challenging role. And that’s where the growth happens.
She’s not the same actor she was when she first stepped onto the set of Wizards of Waverly Place. She’s matured, not just in her acting, but in how she approaches her entire career. Her work as an executive producer on 13 Reasons Why and her more recent ventures show a deeper level of commitment to creating meaningful content, content that speaks to real issues and explores complex human emotions.
By taking on roles like Emilia Pérez, Selena shows that she’s not afraid to take risks—even if that means facing criticism from people she respects. In the entertainment industry, taking on roles that challenge you is often what leads to the most significant growth. And Selena seems to understand that better than most.
How the Role Helped Selena Grow
In her response, Selena shared that Emilia Pérez helped her push past the boundaries she once had as an actor. She revealed how the role forced her to tap into emotions and experiences that weren’t immediately familiar to her. Playing Emilia wasn’t just about acting; it was about understanding a character’s journey, flaws, and struggles and trying to communicate that to the audience in a genuine way.
Acting, after all, isn’t about being “perfect.” It’s about being authentic. And sometimes, authenticity can look a little different than what people might expect. As an artist, Selena has learned to embrace that. The road to mastering a craft is filled with feedback, and how an artist responds to it shows their true character. Instead of shrinking from the criticism, Selena took it as an opportunity to learn and continue evolving.
What’s Next for Selena?
Selena Gomez has already proven that she’s more than just a singer or an actress—she’s a multi-faceted artist with a passion for telling stories that matter. After Emilia Pérez, there’s no telling where her career might go. Whether she continues to take on complex roles, produces new projects, or perhaps even gets behind the camera in a directing role, Selena’s growth as an artist is just beginning.
She’s shown time and time again that she’s not afraid to embrace new challenges, and that’s why we continue to admire her. Whether it’s handling criticism with grace or diving into roles that push her boundaries, Selena’s journey is one of continuous growth—and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
Conclusion
Selena Gomez’s response to Eugenio Derbez’s critique of her performance in Emilia Pérez serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself as an artist. She’s proven that she’s not afraid to take risks and that growth often comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone. While not every performance will be universally loved, it’s the ability to reflect, learn, and evolve that separates the good from the great.
For Selena, Emilia Pérez was more than just another role—it was a chance to explore a new side of herself as an actor and to grow both professionally and personally. Despite the critique, she’s standing strong, showing that she’s not just a pop star or former Disney actress but a serious, committed artist ready for whatever challenges come next. If there’s one thing we can take away from this experience, it’s that Selena Gomez is here to stay—and she’s just getting started.