21 June: check out new interview with Selena on Variety’s ‘Awards Circuit’ podcast

In the latest episode of Variety’s ‘Awards Circuit’ podcast, Selena Gomez talked about her triumphal Cannes win for Best Actress, the new season of Only Murders In The Building, and her future plans.

VF: What was it like sharing the screen with Meryl Streep for the third season of “Only Murders in the Building?”

Selena: There are no words to describe Meryl. She embodies grace and is a wonderful human being. Everything she does reflects that. Even when she was running lines, we believed her. She’s incredibly humble, and it was impressive to see someone I’ve always admired still be so real. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to work with her and will never take it for granted.

VF: Can you discuss building a hilarious rapport with Martin Short and how Mabel reacts to his antics?

Selena: She’s definitely more reactional, and truth be told, I’m genuinely shocked by half the things he does. He’s so quick, witty, and always nails the punchline. There have been so many moments I couldn’t contain myself. Our rapport started in season one when I asked if I could sit next to them, and they laughed, saying I was already sitting there. Since then, they have slowly become important figures in my life, helping me grow. For four years, they’ve been a huge part of my life. Sometimes, I can’t believe this is my job.

VF: Coming off of winning the best actress prize at Cannes and all the accolades from “Only Murders,” what does it feel like to get this notoriety in your career?

Selena: Film and TV have always been my outlet, and acting holds a special place in my heart. Working with people like Zoe, Karla and Jacques is a privilege, and I believe hard work pays off. I hope to continue growing as an actor. Everything in my life feels like a gift, and I’m incredibly grateful. This is my true passion, and I hope for more opportunities in the future, but you never know with this crazy business.

VF: What is Selena Gomez’s dream role? Is it a musical role?

Selena: Oh my god, that would be so hard. It wouldn’t be a musical, but I saw Scarlett Johansson in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” and I found it profound and beautiful. I don’t think it would be a big production, but I would love to dive into a role like that.

VF: You’ve been very open about your struggles with anxiety, as seen in your documentary and previous interviews. Can you talk about how you feel at this stage?

Selena: As you get older, you start to care less about things that are negative or bring you down. People told me this when I was in my 20s, and now I understand it better. It’s natural to occasionally get caught up in negativity; it’s impossible to ignore entirely. There are ugly things in life, but I’m grateful I don’t let them affect me as much. I like where I am now, and although my anxiety is still there, I work on it every day.

VF: Is there any way you could have taken on the roles you’re doing now when you were in your 20s?

Selena: Oh no, I would have been a different person. I’m still the same me, but I’ve grown a lot, especially in the past two to three years. I’ve enjoyed getting to know myself, my boundaries, and my needs. I feel very happy and in control of what is good for me and what is awesome.

VF: There have been multiple murders surrounding the “Only Murders” trio, and people have speculated this upcoming fourth season could be the last. Is it?

Selena: I honestly don’t know what the future holds. Every season, we put everything into the show as if it’s our last. I’m really happy with how it’s blossomed and am content right now. But again, who knows? Let’s see what happens.

VF: You’re also an executive producer on “Only Murders,” which has been nominated for outstanding comedy series twice. If nominated a third time, you would become the most nominated Latina producer in the category’s history, surpassing Salma Hayek for “Ugly Betty.” How does that feel?

Selena: I don’t know. I didn’t even know that, so these little nuggets of information keep me going. They make me proud. I’ve always been proud of my last name, heritage, and culture, but I need to stop more and realize how great this is. If it’s true, I can’t wait to tell my dad.

VF: What does playing Mabel represent to you, and how have you connected to her so well across multiple seasons?

Selena: I think the first season mirrored my experience of moving to New York for the first time in over a month. I had shot a few things here, but living independently and having my own apartment was new. Getting to know Steve and Marty and developing the character felt like we were creating it together, even though Steve and [John Hoffman] are the actual writers. They’re fantastic. It was fun to become these characters a little bit. She is a bit like me, though hopefully not as morbid. She’s an extension of me in some ways. I’m a weirdo, but my friends know that.

VF: I’m an advocate of owning your “weird.”

Selena: I own it. I hang out with 70-year-olds for half the year, and they’re my favorite humans.

VF: Your upcoming film “Emilia Perez” was well-received at Cannes, where you shared the best actress prize with your co-stars. What was it like to take on a musical, especially one with such powerful representation as we sit in Pride month?

Selena: It’s beautiful. It’s beautiful timing for this film. I loved it. The music wasn’t what I was used to; it felt grand, open, and big, which was new for me. Working with Camille, her husband, and their whole family, including their little daughter, was fun. I enjoyed myself and explored a style of singing I had never done before.

VF: Was there a moment when you realized the amazing Jacques Audiard was directing you?

Selena: I’m so lucky because the people in my life have great taste, which has helped me learn and grow. It’s nice to have guidance from others who would be amazing to work with, whether in writing or production. My mom started it all by helping me get “Spring Breakers,” a project I’m proud of despite its uniqueness. The taste around me has shaped my own. Working with Zoe, Édgar and Karla, we often can’t believe he is directing us. Even when he gave me directions about being sad, I was just so happy.

VF: What can we expect from this fourth season of “Only Murders in the Building?”

Selena: What’s been great is having all these guest stars who genuinely want to be there. It’s wonderful when everyone shows up on time, wants to have a good time, and laughs together while making the show. That’s what this whole season felt like. Every actor, like Molly Shannon, Richard Kind and Zach Galifianakis, made it hard for me to keep my composure. I’m looking forward to the blooper reel because it’s too good to be true.

My character aims to lead the group, but the heart of the story is Steve’s journey of losing one of his best friends. Marty is living his chaotic life as Oliver, always in and out. Steve’s character, Charles, is going through that profound loss. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

VF: What’s the status of your Linda Ronstadt film?

Selena: There are no updates on that. I think for me, I’m taking everything, day by day. I’m so happy with how things are going, but I want to take a little second to breathe when I’m done shooting [“Only Murders”].

VF: What’s next on your docket?

Selena: I don’t know, and I think that’s the best part. I’ve been reading scripts and getting excited about producing a few projects. Running Rare Beauty and the Impact Fund is meaningful and gives me purpose, so I’ll always be working on that. But for now, I will see where the world takes me and what captures my attention.

Source: variety.com