Selena Gomez, the multi-talented singer and actress, is no stranger to the pressures of fame. Having grown up in the public eye, her every move has been scrutinized, and it’s easy for others to approach her with preconceived ideas about who she is. However, during the filming of her latest project, Emilia Perez, Gomez found an unexpected sense of liberation—a feeling that came from being treated as someone other than the famous personality that most people know her to be.
The actress, who has been making waves with her performance in the hit series Only Murders in the Building, shared in an exclusive interview with E! News at the Toronto International Film Festival why her work on Emilia Perez with French director Jacques Audiard felt so different. Rather than being treated as “Selena Gomez, the global pop star and actress,” she was seen as a blank slate, an actor there to embody the character of Jessi Del Monte. This experience, she explained, was not only refreshing but also deeply empowering.
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A Blank Canvas: How Jacques Audiard Changed Selena’s Perspective
For most of her life, Selena Gomez has been synonymous with success in the entertainment industry, but the celebrity status that comes with it can often overshadow her raw acting talents. In her conversation with E! News’ Francesca Amiker at the Toronto International Film Festival, Gomez revealed that Audiard’s approach to directing allowed her to shed those expectations. The filmmaker, known for his critically acclaimed works such as Rust and Bone and A Prophet, was more focused on crafting the character than on who was playing the role.
“He didn’t see me as anything other than Jessi,” Gomez said. “I loved that. I felt like I could be whoever I wanted to be.”
The sentiment of being a “blank canvas” was crucial for Gomez as she delved into her character. Jessi Del Monte is a complex role that allowed her to explore new dimensions of her acting. By stepping into the shoes of this character, Gomez found herself in an environment where she could challenge her own skills, free from the expectations that often come with her high-profile career.
This experience, as Gomez described it, was “empowering.” To her, it was more than just a role; it was a transformative experience, one where she was treated solely as an actor, not as a celebrity. Audiard’s method gave her the space to rediscover her craft and explore new artistic depths. This was a departure from the usual dynamics on set, where her fame could sometimes overshadow the character she was trying to portray.
The Importance of Being Seen as an Actor First
Selena Gomez has always been candid about the challenges of growing up in the public eye. From her early days on Barney & Friends to becoming a global superstar through her music and acting, Gomez’s life has often felt like an open book to her fans and the media. While this fame brought her recognition, it also created a set of expectations and assumptions about who she is.
In Emilia Perez, however, Gomez was given the opportunity to break free from these constraints. The role of Jessi Del Monte demanded that she abandon the idea of “Selena Gomez” and fully immerse herself in the character. By doing so, she found a renewed sense of purpose as an actress. This opportunity to transform into someone entirely new resonated with her on a deep level, giving her a fresh perspective on her career.
“I think it was genuinely his [Audiard’s] mind and how he works,” she explained. “He has this way of making me feel like, as an actor, I was a blank canvas.”
Gomez’s collaboration with Audiard allowed her to embrace the idea that she didn’t have to carry the weight of her celebrity persona into every role. Instead, she could simply focus on being an actor. This refreshing approach provided a sense of freedom that many actors in her position rarely experience. It’s no wonder that Gomez described her time on set as one of the most empowering periods of her career.
Support from Loved Ones: A Foundation for Success
While Selena Gomez found empowerment in her professional life on the set of Emilia Perez, she also had a strong support system cheering her on from the sidelines. One of her most significant sources of encouragement has been her mother, Mandy Teefey. In the same interview with E! News, Gomez shared how much her mother’s unwavering support meant to her during this transformative period.
“She’s been so supportive of all this, and I’m so happy,” Gomez said.
Teefey, who has been a guiding force in her daughter’s life and career, has always been there to provide support when Gomez needed it most. Whether it’s navigating the ups and downs of the entertainment industry or encouraging her to pursue new artistic challenges, Teefey’s presence in Gomez’s life has been instrumental in her success.
In addition to her mother’s support, Gomez has also found solace in her close friendships. One of the most prominent figures in her life is none other than fellow music superstar Taylor Swift. The two have been friends for years, and Gomez has often spoken about the deep bond they share. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Gomez referred to Swift as “really like a big sister to me.”
Having someone like Swift to turn to has undoubtedly helped Gomez navigate the challenges that come with fame. Their friendship has stood the test of time, and Gomez’s comments about Swift emphasize the importance of having a reliable support network, both personally and professionally.
A New Chapter in Selena’s Personal Life: Love and Growth
As Selena Gomez continues to grow in her career, she’s also experiencing new joys in her personal life. In 2023, Gomez began a relationship with music producer Benny Blanco, and it’s clear that this relationship has had a profound impact on her. In her interview with Vanity Fair, she opened up about how different this love feels compared to past experiences.
“I’ve never been loved this way,” she said. “He’s just been a light. A complete light in my life.”
Describing Blanco as her “best friend,” Gomez shared how their connection has allowed her to feel more secure and loved than ever before. She expressed her appreciation for the way he supports her, listens to her, and provides a sense of stability. For Gomez, who has faced her fair share of heartbreak and challenges in the past, this relationship marks a new chapter of growth and happiness.
