Emilia Pérez awarded Best Actress Prize and Jury Prize at the 77th Festival de Cannes

Emilia Pérez was world premiered at the 77th Festival de Cannes competition on May 18th. Choreographer of the musical, Damien Jalet attended the screening and the Red Carpet at Palais des Festivals with Jacques Audiard, Karla Sofia Gascón, Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña, Edgar Ramirez, Camille, Clement Ducol, Adriana Paz, Virginia Montel and French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati.

The film, described as a « bracingly original crime musical », “landed the loudest, most enthusiastic standing ovation”, receiving one of the longest round of applause of the Festival (11 minutes). The musical won a joint best actress prize for Adriana Paz, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, and Zoe Saldana, and the jury prize for Director Jacques Audiard – indeed « a glorious return », with a « startling and delightful » film. Best Actress Award was made to honor « Women together » reminded Jury president Greta Gerwig. The « buzz of Cannes », Emilia Perez is the beautiful gift of hope, of a light house: a « trans empowerment epic that’s also a full-blown movie musical ». It is the first time a trans performer wins Best Actress Award at Cannes, a joy echoing that which Jalet intended to breathe into the film.