Ariana Grande really wants to get to know Selena Gomez more.
So much so that she asked to sit with the “Emilia Pérez” star at the Academy Women’s Luncheon on Tuesday at the Academy Museum.
“I respect her so much, and I’ve always adored her,” the “Wicked” star told me. “I was really happy for her to see us on that list together. It was very special.”
That list is the Golden Globe list of nominees for best performance by a female actor in a supporting role in any motion picture. Grande and Gomez were nominated alongside Felicity Jones (“The Brutalist”), Margaret Qualley (“The Substance”), Isabella Rossellini (“Conclave”) and Zoe Saldaña (“Emilia Pérez”).
Grande was one of the first people Gomez heard from after the nominations were announced on Monday. “Ariana texted me and it was the sweetest note and it was about six in the morning,” Gomez told me, adding that she also got a message from her boyfriend, Benny Blanco, at about the same time. “We sent each other voice messages. It was very exciting.”
See Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande posing for photos together at the luncheon here.
“I really love watching this moment happen for Selena,” Grande said. “I know how hard she’s worked and how long she’s waited. I recognize that because it resonates with me so I know that feeling. So when you can reach out to your friends in the industry and say, ‘Great work, congratulations,’ why not do it?”
Both actresses were child stars. Gomez started on “Barney” before starring on “Wizards of Waverly Place” on the Disney Channel. Grande’s career started with playing Cat Valentine on Nickelodeon’s “Victorious.”
Grande added, “I don’t know Selena as well as I wish I did so I’m excited to sit next to her today.”
The luncheon, presented by Chanel, featured Gomez delivering the keynote speech. She recalled the collaborative work that director Jacques Audiard embraced and encouraged on the set of “Emilia Pérez.” “It reminded me of the power of community, of supporting and lifting each other. Whether in film, music or life itself, community is at the heart of everything that I do,” Gomez said.
“I know firsthand how isolating this industry could feel at times, but moments like this, in rooms like this and talking with all these amazing women,” Gomez said as she gestured toward Grande, “it reminds me that I am not alone.”
Also spotted at the luncheon were Pamela Anderson, Gal Gadot, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis, Amy Adams, Ava DuVernay, Joan Chen, Pam Abdy, Awkwafina, Gia Coppola, Ruth E. Carter, Diane Warren, Rita Wilson, Olivia Wilde, Rachel Morrison, Eve Hewson, June Squibb, Laura Karpman, Sara Foster, Erin Foster and Academy president Janet Yang.
Meanwhile, Gomez said “Emilia Pérez” certainly has her thinking about the possibility of more musical projects. However, she insisted she doesn’t feel she has enough experience yet for Broadway. “One of my favorites has always been ‘Chicago,’” Gomez said.
When asked if she’s more Roxy Hart or Velma Kelly, Gomez immediately smiled, “I’m definitely Roxy.”
She laughed, “Let’s not start rumors! I’m too busy right now.”
In addition to her Golden Globe nom for “Emilia,” Gomez picked up another for her work on “Only Murders in the Building.” She weighed in on co-star Meryl Streep not earning an expected nom. “I’m bummed, but I think she’s such a woman of excellence in her life that she doesn’t need the validation,” Gomez said. “She’s Meryl Streep.”
English (US) ·