241 – Selena (with Luis Rendon!)

And we’re back! We hope you all enjoyed the 100 YEARS, 100… SNUBS! May miniseries, but regular episodes are returning and did we come back with a special one! The Mixed Reviews co-host and journalist Luis Rendon joins us to talk about one of the most beloved musical biopics of all time, 1997′s Selena. The film follows the rise and sudden tragic end of Tejano music legend Selena Quintanilla, and catapulted actress Jennifer Lopez in a major way. Lopez stayed in the conversation to earn a Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy nomination at the Globes, but the Oscars overlooked her now-treasured performance that is often remarked on for her ability to recreate the real life icon that she played. This episode, we discuss the many phases on Jennifer Lopez’s career from her breakout in 1997 to her emergence into a music career and triumph at the Super Bowl Half Time Show with Shakira. We also discuss the massive casting search that landed her the role, the film as a tool of healing in the immediate aftermath of Selena’s murder, and the visual style of Tejano music videos brought to the film. Topics also include the 1997 Best Actress race, the tradition of post-Drag Race on VH1 cinema, and character actress legend Lupe Ontiveros. Follow Us on Twitter! @Had_Oscar_Buzz Joe: @joereid Chris: @chrisvfeil Luis: @LouieGRendon