James Cameron is in love with this French film: “It’s a hell of a piece of cinema”

The director saw it three times, and he was slapped.

This film launched in the race for the Oscars is far from unanimous in the United States. But he has just found strong support in the person of James Cameronwho declared his love for him during an interview.

Emilia Perez was released on Netflix US and could therefore be seen massively by audiences in North America. Good news and bad news for the film Jacques Audiardwhich divided critics and also sparked a lively controversy in Mexico.

Emilia Perez tells the story of the transition of a drug trafficker who changes his identity and gender to start a new life. A story mixing drama and musical comedy which conquered the Cannes Film Festival and placed the film among the favorites for the next Oscars.

On the side of Mexico, where the film has not yet been released, we denounce a work full of stereotypes produced by a European filmmaker who admitted not having done in-depth research on the local context and putting together a casting where the Mexicans shine through. their absence.

Indeed, Adriana Paz is the only Mexican among the main roles. Karla Sofia Gascon was born in Spain, Zoe Saldaña in Puerto Rico and Edgar Ramirez in Venezuela.

Selena Gomez, although of Mexican origin, is American. And Audiard was able to see after choosing her that she did not master Spanish. Her character, Jessi del Monte, thus became a “gringa” living in Mexico. But that didn't stop criticism of his accent.

“Selena is indefensible“, said Mexican star Eugenio Derbez (CODA) before apologizing following the interested party's response (“I did my best in the time I was given“) and the controversy that followed.

These controversies did not reach James Cameron, who simply fell in love with Jacques Audiard's film:

“Emilia Perez slapped me. I saw it three times. It's unlike any other movie that's ever been made. I find it audacious, it exudes a vision. It is beautifully executed. It’s a hell of a piece of cinema.”

The director particularly appreciated the performance of an actress he knows well, Zoe Saldanawho is one of the stars of the saga Avatar :

“Zoe is fantastic in it. It’s her moment, she’s finally being recognized for her true worth. It says a lot of things that I found fascinating.”

The controversy does not seem to affect the rating too muchEmilia Perez in Oscar season at the moment. The film leads the nominations for the 2025 Golden Globes which will be held in a few days, on January 5.

Emilia Pérez leads the nominations for the 2025 Golden Globes