Selena Gomez has always worn her Mexican-American identity with pride. But in her latest movie, Emilia Pérez, she’s turning that pride up a notch—and making her dad extra proud in the process.

While walking the red carpet at the 62nd Annual New York Film Festival, Selena opened up about how speaking Spanish in her new role has been a special experience for both her and her family.

‘You’re Texting Me, Mija’—A Father-Daughter Moment

During the premiere, Selena shared a heartwarming story about her dad’s reaction to her Spanish in Emilia Pérez. “He was like, ‘You’re texting me, mija,’ and I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’m texting you in Spanish,'” Selena told Extra. The star revealed that speaking Spanish in the film meant the world to her, especially as someone who had lost some of her fluency over the years.

Growing up, Selena Gomez was fluent in Spanish, but the pressures of her early career made it hard to maintain her language skills. “I was fluent in Spanish until I started working at 7. Then my job just kinda took over my life,” she told the LA Times. Reconnecting with Spanish in her latest film felt like healing a part of herself. “Embracing that part of me can be a source of healing for somebody else,” Selena shared.

For Selena Gomez, Emilia Pérez is a Film With Meaning Beyond the Screen

Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard, is a Spanish-language musical comedy. Selena Gomez plays Jessi Del Monte, the wife of drug cartel leader Emilia Pérez, portrayed by Karla Sofía Gascón. The movie explores themes of identity and transformation as Emilia attempts to fake her death to “live authentically as her true self,” according to the film’s synopsis. Selena feels connected to her character, saying it allowed her to bring more of her cultural background to the screen.

“I’m really glad we were able to make her Latin American because that’s who I am,” Selena told People in an interview last month. She hopes the film’s deeper message resonates with audiences: “I really feel like this has been such a blessing in this movie. I hope people understand the meaning behind it and enjoy it.”

The Struggles of Being Latina in Hollywood

Selena Gomez’s experiences in Hollywood mirror what many Latinas face when it comes to their identity. From language barriers to perceptions of what it means to be “authentically” Latina, the pressure is intense.

Selena’s embrace of Spanish in Emilia Pérez comes at a time when other stars, like Jenna Ortega, have faced backlash for not being fluent in Spanish. The criticism Jenna received shows how speaking Spanish—or not—has become a defining factor for who is accepted as “Latina enough.”

Jenna, who grew up in a bilingual household but isn’t fully fluent, has been criticized for not being able to represent the Latino community. The Buzzfeed article “After Being Called a ‘Fake Latina’ For Not Speaking Spanish, Jenna Ortega Has Opened Up About The ‘Shame’ Of Not Feeling Like a ‘Good Enough’ Representative” reveals how Jenna faced accusations of being “too Latina” for Hollywood early in her career, only to now be judged for not being Latina enough.

This is something many U.S.-born Latinos can relate to. Our community often faces judgment from both sides—criticized for speaking Spanish with an accent and then judged for speaking English without one.

Selena Gomez: Redefining Representation On Her Own Terms

For Selena Gomez, the opportunity to play a character deeply rooted in her own cultural identity is a way to reclaim and celebrate her heritage. “I hope this is just the beginning,” she said on the red carpet, referring to the chance to take on more roles that reflect her background.

The actress believes her role in Emilia Pérez is a powerful step forward in representation and hopes that other Latinos can see themselves reflected in her character. By embracing her Spanish and celebrating her roots on-screen, Selena is helping to break down the gatekeeping that often happens within our own community.

As Selena continues to receive praise for her performance in Emilia Pérez, it’s clear she’s making her dad—and the whole community—proud.

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