Latinas in Hollywood Shine at Netflix’s “Emilia Pérez” Celebration: A Toast to Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Karla Sofía Gascón

A Star-Studded Event Honors Trailblazing Latina Actresses and Their Cultural Impact in Film

Los Angeles – On a crisp November evening, Netflix and ELLE Magazine brought together an impressive group of leading Latina voices in Hollywood to celebrate the star-studded cast of Emilia Pérez, a groundbreaking film that blends diverse genres and explores powerful themes of identity, transformation, and culture. The celebration, held at Netflix’s Tudum Theater, was an evening of toasts, cinematic exploration, and heartfelt dialogue, as the influential actresses behind Emilia Pérez – Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Selena Gomez – were honored for their roles in bringing complex Latino stories to life on screen.

Champagne, margaritas, and carajillos flowed freely as the evening kicked off with a cocktail hour, offering guests the chance to mingle and reflect on the cultural significance of the event. Under the glow of outdoor heaters on an unexpectedly chilly Los Angeles night, the actresses posed for photos and shared moments of camaraderie with fellow stars.

In her opening speech, ELLE Editor-in-Chief Nina García praised the unity and strength of the Latina community in Hollywood. “You all bring such an incredible range of backgrounds and special talents, but I also see our unity, and our unity is so important now, more than ever,” she said. “That is very clear in the way we’ve come together to support each other, and in particular, to support the incredible cast of Emilia Pérez.”

The crowd then shifted to the screening of Emilia Pérez, a genre-defying film that follows the journey of a Mexican drug lord (played by Gascón) who undergoes gender affirmation surgery. The film, described by USA TODAY as “a wildly original cinematic ride,” is a dark crime thriller, a redemption tale, and a thought-provoking character study, all wrapped in a movie musical.

Following the screening, a Q&A panel brought together director Jacques Audiard, along with Saldaña, Gascón, and Gomez. The panel delved into the personal significance of their roles in Emilia Pérez, touching on their shared yearning for roles that reflect their full identities as Latina women. Gomez, reflecting on her portrayal of a character rooted in her cultural heritage, shared, “Genuinely, I was craving a role and this kind of opportunity to be able to channel a part of my culture and my history and my background. It meant a lot more to me in that manner.”

Saldaña echoed her sentiments, saying, “Until one day, you’re making art, and you feel like your art just feels incomplete because you’re not putting so much of yourself into it.” For these actresses, Emilia Pérez represents more than just a professional milestone – it’s a personal journey of embracing their cultural roots and authentically representing their communities on screen.

Gascón, who plays the lead role of Emilia, shared a touching reflection on the opportunity to potentially make Oscar history as the first transgender woman to be nominated for Best Actress. “It would be absolutely wonderful and a real source of pride,” she said. “But honestly, if it doesn’t happen, it’s not a big deal. The biggest prize for me has been this connectedness I’ve gotten to feel with the audience. The Latino community has really united around me, and for my fellow actors coming up, I hope I can give them hope.”

Among the attendees were notable figures from across the entertainment industry, including actresses Christina Milian, Karla Souza, Jessica Marie Garcia, Mayan Lopez, and Yaya DaCosta, as well as Grammy-nominated Mexican singer Carla Morrison. Together, they celebrated the powerful representation and achievements of Latinas in Hollywood, shining a spotlight on the cultural importance of diverse voices within the film industry.

As the evening wrapped up, it was clear that Emilia Pérez and its talented cast were much more than just a film. The event served as a reminder of the significance of representation, the power of shared stories, and the growing visibility of Latinas in Hollywood. With actresses like Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Karla Sofía Gascón at the forefront, the future of Hollywood looks brighter, more inclusive, and deeply rooted in the richness of Latinx culture.