LOS ANGELES — A festive atmosphere surrounded dozens of prominent Latinas in Hollywood as they raised a glass to the inspiring trio from Netflix’s “Emilia Pérez”: Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Selena Gomez.

On Saturday night, Netflix and ELLE Magazine hosted their second annual Latinas in Hollywood celebration, featuring a cocktail hour that transitioned into a screening of the film “Emilia,” followed by a question-and-answer session. Before the viewing, actresses mingled in the patio area outside Netflix’s Tudum Theater, snapping photographs, reconnecting with acquaintances, and warming themselves by outdoor heaters on an unusually chilly night in Los Angeles.

Dedicating a toast to the “Emilia” cast, ELLE Editor-in-Chief Nina García also emphasized the significance of the diverse group of women present, who have used their influence to tell rich Latino stories through film.

“All of you bring such a remarkable variety of backgrounds and unique talents, yet I also see our common bond, which is crucial right now,” García shared during the event. “Our solidarity is evident in how we’ve gathered to support one another and, particularly, to uplift the remarkable cast of ‘Emilia Pérez.’

As the screening began, guests exchanged their champagne glasses for popcorn buckets, ready to enjoy the thrilling cinematic journey that “Emilia” depicts: the story of a Mexican drug lord (played by Gascón) who experiences gender affirmation surgery. YSL News’s film critic Brian Truitt describes the film as a blend of genres, stating, “In just over two hours, it encompasses elements like noir crime thriller, a thought-provoking redemption story, in-depth character exploration, comedic drama, and even a vibrant musical.”

The Q&A session featured a panel that included “Emilia” director Jacques Audiard, Saldaña, Gascón, and Gomez, along with the film’s costume designer and composers. Saldaña and Gomez discussed their complex characters in the film and their desire for more roles that reflect their full identities as Latina women.

“Honestly, I was longing for a role that would allow me to express a part of my culture, my history, and my heritage. This opportunity mattered deeply to me,” Gomez expressed.

Saldaña echoed these sentiments, saying, “There comes a moment when you are creating art and realize that it feels incomplete because you’re not integrating your true self into it.”

Other notable attendees of the night included Christina Milian (“Meet Me Next Christmas”), Karla Souza (“Technoboys”), Jessica Marie Garcia (“On My Block”), Mayan Lopez (“Lopez vs. Lopez”), Yaya DaCosta (“The Lincoln Lawyer”), Annie Gonzalez (“Flamin’ Hot”), Victoria Justice (“Depravity”), Natalie Morales (“No Hard Feelings”), and Grammy-nominated Mexican singer Carla Morrison.

Selena Gomez and Karla Sofía Gascón

In an interview with YSL News, Gascón shared her thoughts on the chance of making history at the Oscars as the first transgender woman nominated for best actress.

“Achieving that would be amazing and a huge source of pride,” Gascón stated through a translator. “However, if it doesn’t happen, that’s alright. The greatest reward for me has been the connection I feel with my audience. The Latino community has truly rallied around me, and I hope my journey provides hope for other aspiring actors.”

Check out “Emilia Pérez,” now available for streaming on Netflix.