Selena Gomez Opens Up About 'How Isolating' Hollywood Can Feel - and Using 'Humor' to Stay Positive (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Stefanie Keenan/WireImage

Selena Gomezis embracing the moment.

“I’m overwhelmed, very, very honored and grateful,” Gomez, 32, tells PEOPLE. “I can’t wait to see what happens.”

Nominated in the same category asWicked’sAriana Grande, 31, the actresses sat next to each other at Tuesday’s luncheon, held in Los Angeles at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. The two awards season favorites separately grew to fame as child stars on television - Gomez in Disney Channel’sWizards of Waverly Placeand Grande on Nickelodeon’sVictorious.

Ariana Grande and Selena Gomez sat next to each other at the Academy Women’s Luncheon.Stefanie Keenan/WireImage

In her keynote speech, Gomez emphasized how she’s found community in more recent years.

“I know firsthand how isolating this industry will feel at times, but moments like this and rooms like this, and talking to all these amazing women just reminds me that I’m not alone, and we aren’t alone,” she said, gesturing to her table where Grande sat along with stars including Amy Adams, Pamela Anderson, Awkwafina, Gal Gadot, Rita Wilson, Mila Kunis and Olivia Wilde.

“It’s humor for me,” she tells PEOPLE. “I know people say it’s a defense mechanism, however, I think it’s a great distraction from all of the noise sometimes. And just to have a laugh with your friends or do something that can bring you a little bit of light.”

For others feeling lonely in Hollywood, Gomez is is ready to offer a helping hand.

“To the young women watching us, I just want you to know that you are heard and you are seen, and your perspective matters deeply. And if you ever feel lonely at any event, I’m usually on my phone, playing some sort of weird game. Just come up to me, and I’ll be happy to chat,” she grinned on stage.

The Rare Beauty founder added: “When we share and we stand together, we create a ripple effect that stretches far beyond our own lives. That’s why events like [this] are so important, they’re a celebration of our collective achievements, but they’re also a reminder of the work we still have to do.”

Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez and Karla Sofía Gascón at a screening of ‘Emilia Perez’ on Dec. 3.Eugene Gologursky/Getty

Eugene Gologursky/Getty

Gomez tells PEOPLE on the set ofEmilia Perez, she and costarsZoe Saldañaand Karla Sofia Gascon created a sisterhood from the start.

“Genuinely the whole experience of the movie was [supportive],” she recalls. “It became like this bond that we almost needed to do the rest of the film because some of it was very dark and angry. They brought so much light into my life and I’m astounded at who they are and their hearts. I just look up to them. I can tell them anything.”

Emilia Perezis now available to stream on Netflix.

source: people.com