Zoe Saldaña Talks Emilia Perez and Making Her Stylish Return to Cannes

It’s been a decade since Zoe Saldaña last attended the Cannes Film Festival, and this year she marked her triumphant return with style and substance. As one of the buzzworthy highlights at the festival, Saldaña graced the red carpet for Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Perez,” a film that has captivated audiences and critics alike.

A Return to Film Festival Stardom

Saldaña’s enthusiasm for returning to Cannes was palpable. “The opportunity to come back and be in competition makes my heart so full,” she remarked. The festival, renowned as a global cinema hub, offers an unparalleled platform for artists from around the world to showcase their work and engage with a vibrant community of filmmakers and creatives.

The Allure of Emilia Perez

“Emilia Perez” is more than just another film; it’s a groundbreaking narrative that follows the life of a feared drug-cartel boss who undergoes gender-confirmation surgery. Starring alongside Saldaña are rising star Karla Sofía Gascón and pop icon Selena Gomez, whose performances have drawn significant acclaim.

The movie earned a nine-minute standing ovation at its premiere, highlighting the powerful storytelling that has captivated audiences. “Jacques Audiard is a wonderful storyteller,” says Saldaña, expressing her admiration for his directorial prowess and innovative style which straddles the realms of documentary realism and compelling narrative drama.

Saldaña’s Role in Emilia Perez

In “Emilia Perez,” Zoe portrays Rita, a lawyer entangled in complex moral decisions. “Rita makes decisions that by all means are not right,” Saldaña says. Her role required diving deep into the character’s psyche to understand and portray her justifications.

Fashion Statements at Cannes

Saldaña’s presence on the Cannes red carpet was as striking as her performance in “Emilia Perez.” Styled by Petra Flannery, Saldaña chose a breathtaking Saint Laurent black crepe column gown adorned with pink silk taffeta bows for the premiere. The dress, inspired by an early ’80s vintage piece from Saint Laurent archives, showcased the timeless elegance of the iconic fashion house.

Accessorizing with Boucheron Jewels

• Boucheron jewels complemented her ensemble, adding a touch of sophistication and glamour.
• Throughout the festival, Saldaña also sported cutout dresses and a structured double-breasted jacket from Saint Laurent, epitomizing her bold fashion sensibilities.

“There’s so much freedom in Cannes to be as creative as you want,” reflects Saldaña. Her diverse wardrobe choices underscore the festival’s spirit of artistic expression.

Connecting with Selena Gomez

Though screen time with Selena Gomez was limited, their off-screen camaraderie blossomed into a meaningful connection. “She’s just warm,” says Saldaña about Gomez. “It was such a treat to get to know her.” The bond formed on set highlights the collaborative spirit that defines Cannes.

Looking Forward

As her time in Cannes comes to an end, Saldaña reflects on the journey with Jacques Audiard. “It’s been worth every moment,” she says, expressing gratitude for the experiences and opportunities that have come from this project.

With a successful premiere under her belt and more red carpet appearances to come, Zoe Saldaña’s return to Cannes is nothing short of spectacular—a testament to her enduring talent both in front of the camera and on the world stage of cinema.