Selena Gomez, a renowned figure in the entertainment industry, recently graced The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast. Recorded in front of 500 Chapman University students, her journey from a 7-year-old actress to a 14-year-old star is truly remarkable. She first shone on the Disney Channel show Wizards of Waverly Place and then ventured into the pop music realm, reaching the top of the charts.

Unveiling Selena Gomez's Diverse Acting Career

Acting since Childhood: A Journey to Stardom

Selena Gomez's career began at a young age. At just 7, she started her acting journey, and by 14, she became a household name. Her role on Wizards of Waverly Place set the stage for her subsequent success. This early start allowed her to build a solid foundation and gain a massive fan base.She faced numerous challenges along the way, but her determination and talent kept her going. As she entered adulthood, she was eager to prove her serious acting chops and be part of high-quality projects.

Transitioning to Adult Acting: Overcoming Hurdles

For several years, achieving her dream of adult acting seemed difficult. However, in 2024, her hard work paid off. She took on three very different acting jobs this year. In her role as Mabel on Only Murders in the Building, she not only received her third Emmy nom for producing but also her first for acting. This made her the most Emmy-nominated Latina producer ever.Her portrayal of Jessi in Jacques Audiard's Emilia Pérez was equally remarkable. She and her co-stars were awarded the Cannes Film Festival's best actress prize, and now they are at the center of Oscar buzz. This project was a dream come true for her, as it allowed her to showcase her acting skills in a new light.

Balancing Acting and Singing: A Shift in Focus

Over the past nine years, Selena Gomez has shifted her focus from singing/songwriting to acting. She discusses the biggest similarities and differences between the two fields. Acting, she says, allows her to fully immerse herself in different characters and tell diverse stories. Singing, on the other hand, is a more personal expression.She explains how Only Murders and Wizards Beyond Waverly Place came about and what she enjoys most about doing both. These projects have given her the opportunity to explore different aspects of her talent and grow as an actress.

Returning to Waverly Place: A New Chapter

Getting to return to the world of Waverly Place as an executive producer and play the adult version of the character she played as a kid was a special moment for Selena Gomez. It was like coming full circle and adding another chapter to her already impressive career.Working with her co-stars on these projects has created a sisterhood among them. They have a strong bond and enjoy a group text chain, which adds to the joy of working together.All of these experiences have made Emilia Pérez a significant project for Selena Gomez. It is a dream come true and a start of an exciting new chapter in her career. She is humbled by the response to the film and looks forward to doing more in the world she loves.