Zoe Saldana, a name synonymous with Hollywood greatness, has brought iconic characters to life, from Neytiri in Avatar to Gamora in the Guardians of the Galaxy. But even with her stellar resume, the 46-year-old actress revealed something that left fans surprised: she had to audition for her role in the upcoming film Emilia Perez. The surprising part? It wasn’t in a grand studio – it was over Zoom! And she wasn’t alone; co-star Selena Gomez also had to audition remotely. Now, both actresses are being hailed for their performances, with Oscar buzz surrounding them.
Zoe Saldana: From Hollywood Icon to Zoom Auditions Despite being one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, Saldana shared during the 47th Mill Valley Film Festival that she had to audition for her role in Emilia Perez. "He didn’t offer me the part; I had to audition for him," she remarked about the film’s director during a panel. The candid confession adds an unexpected twist to the way we perceive Hollywood royalty.
Saldana's role in Emilia Perez sees her playing Rita, a lawyer who works for a powerful Mexican drug lord. The film, a French musical crime comedy, is already making waves, garnering attention for its unique premise and powerhouse performances.
Selena Gomez in the Same Boat It wasn’t just Saldana who had to prove herself. Selena Gomez, her Emilia Perez co-star, had a similar experience. Both actresses, despite their immense fame, were required to audition, showing that no matter how established you are, the grind never truly stops. Saldana added, "I wish Selena were here because she would tell you the same thing – she had to audition for the part." This raw admission not only humanizes these A-list stars but also showcases the humility they carry into their craft.
A Director Who Chooses Based on Talent The film’s director is known for his distinct style and rigorous audition process. Saldana humorously explained that the director is so immersed in his books that if you aren’t mentioned in any of them, he might not know who you are. This anecdote sheds light on the fact that talent, not just fame, continues to be a driving force in casting decisions.
Character Insight: Rita’s Journey Zoe shared deeper insights into her character, Rita, revealing the emotional layers she had to tap into for the role. "What drove me was knowing what she came from and that she didn’t want to go back to that," she said. The complexity of her character is reflected in Rita’s fascination and fear of Emilia, the drug lord she serves. The emotional depth in this performance is one of the many reasons fans and critics alike are talking about Saldana’s Oscar-worthy turn.
ADD and Dyslexia: A Star’s Vulnerability During her appearance at the festival, Saldana also opened up about her personal struggles with ADD and dyslexia. In a moving moment, she revealed how these conditions impact her ability to memorize speeches, adding another layer of admiration for her resilience. She explained, "I am dyslexic, so it usually takes time to memorize a small part... And I am also ADD." Despite these challenges, she delivered a heartfelt note at the film’s premiere, showcasing the dedication she brings to every project.
Oscar Buzz and Beyond The film Emilia Perez is already a strong contender for this year’s Academy Awards. Both Zoe Saldana and Selena Gomez are receiving Oscar buzz, while Karla Sofía Gascón, who stars as the film’s lead, is also in the running for major awards. With a compelling plot about a drug lord who transforms into the woman he’s always wanted to be, Emilia Perez is not just a crime comedy but a deeply human story about identity, transformation, and the power of love and hope.
The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, winning the Jury Prize, and the entire female ensemble took home the Best Actress award. Now set to drop on Netflix on November 13, Emilia Perez is slated to be one of the most talked-about films this year.
Fashion and Festivities As if her performance wasn’t enough to wow audiences, Zoe Saldana also made headlines for her red carpet appearance. At the 47th Mill Valley Film Festival, she stunned in a stylish ensemble, sharing the spotlight with her co-stars.
A Must-Watch Movie Zoe Saldana’s journey from Zoom auditions to Oscar buzz is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her craft. With Emilia Perez set to captivate audiences worldwide, it's clear that Saldana continues to push boundaries and challenge expectations. Whether you're a fan of musicals, crime dramas, or powerful female-led stories, this is one film you won’t want to miss.
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