Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofia Gascón, and Adriana Paz Open Their Hearts at the NYFF Premiere of ‘Emilia Perez’

Actress Adriana Paz also had wonderful things to say about Audiard. “Having the opportunity to learn and be with him on a set, and with Zoe and Karla, [was] one of the greatest and most important experiences of my life,” she said.

For actress Karla Sofia Gascón, the message of the film was personal. “We have the opportunity to open a lot of minds that are quite backward,” she said, “I think this film is so much more than a film—we have the opportunity to entertain, but also open some hearts.”

Zoe Saldaña shared similar sentiments about Audiard’s Spanish-language trans-crime-musical. “The movie is about finding your version of happiness, trying to be your most authentic self at all costs—hopefully without having to sacrifice your soul and your morals,” she said.

“This movie is about is about women that, beyond all the decisions they’ve made in their lives, are still deserving of love and freedom,” she continued.

Karla Sofia Gascón, however, likely won’t be opening her heart to future musical projects. “This is my first and I think this is my last!” she laughed. “It’s not my way, you know?”

Say it ain’t so.

Emilia Pérez, now screening at the 62nd New York Film Festival, will open in select theaters this fall, and then stream on Netflix on Nov. 13.