Selena Gomez is reflecting on her pivotal role in the provocative film Spring Breakers, revealing that it remains one of her most challenging experiences to date. In a recent interview with Elle, alongside her current co-stars Zoe Saldaña and Karla Sofía Gascón, the 32-year-old actress spoke candidly about the impact of this 2012 film directed by Harmony Korine. “I was only 18 or 19,” Gomez recalled. “It was the first thing I did right after my Disney show, and it was such a crazy detour.”
The film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in September 2012, just nine months after Gomez wrapped up her beloved Disney Channel sitcom Wizards of Waverly Place, which had captivated audiences for four seasons. In Spring Breakers, Gomez portrayed Faith, a devoutly religious character who serves as a foil to her more rebellious co-stars Ashley Benson, Vanessa Hudgens, and Rachel Korine. This R-rated crime comedy marked a significant departure for Gomez, who had primarily starred in family-friendly films like Ramona and Beezus prior to this role.
For Gomez, Spring Breakers represented a turning point in her career. “That’s when I knew I was going to fall in love with filmmakers and really gritty, fun stuff that was a little too graphic,” she shared with Elle. This sentiment echoes what she expressed back in 2013 when she told The New York Times that participating in Spring Breakers felt like taking “baby steps” into more adult roles. “I know that people will judge my involvement in the movie as a whole,” she acknowledged at the time. “I’m prepared to accept that.”
Earlier this year, Gomez revealed to Variety that her mother, Mandy Teefey, played a crucial role in helping her secure the part in Spring Breakers. Teefey had been a fan of Korine’s previous work and encouraged Gomez to take the plunge into this unique project. Despite its controversial nature, Gomez expressed pride in the film, stating it was a project she cherished for its uniqueness.
Now, with her latest film Emilia Pérez, Gomez is once again pushing boundaries. Directed by Jacques Audiard, this Spanish-language musical drama centers on Gascón’s character, a transgender drug cartel leader from Mexico City seeking an escape from her life of crime. The film premiered on Netflix on November 13 and has already garnered rave reviews. At the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Gomez and her co-stars were honored as joint winners of the Best Actress award, further solidifying their impressive performances.
In addition to its accolades at Cannes, Emilia Pérez has been selected as France’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming 97th Academy Awards. This recognition highlights not only Gomez’s evolving career but also her commitment to taking on diverse and challenging roles.
As Selena Gomez continues to navigate her career post-Disney, she remains focused on growth and exploration within the industry. Her willingness to tackle complex characters reflects her desire to break free from past molds and embrace new artistic challenges. With each project, from Spring Breakers to Emilia Pérez, Gomez demonstrates her versatility as an actress while staying true to herself.
In an industry often defined by typecasting and expectations, Selena Gomez’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder that growth comes from embracing challenges and stepping outside one’s comfort zone. As she moves forward, fans can look forward to seeing how she continues to evolve both personally and professionally.
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