Selena Gomez is on a relentless quest to dive back into the world of acting, a space where she finds more than just a profession—it’s a form of therapy. When asked about what acting brings her that music doesn’t, the candid star simply states, "Sanity."

Gomez, who produced and starred in the hit series "Only Murders in the Building," is known for her unfiltered honesty. Her Wizards of Waverly Place co-star, David Henrie, shares that her authenticity resonates with her fans, who see fragments of their own struggles reflected in her journey, particularly her battles with lupus, depression, and bipolar disorder.

Now at 32, Gomez is fiercely pursuing acting roles that challenge her as an artist and allow her to explore narratives outside her own celebrity. “I want to get lost in other people's stories,” she explains, revealing her longing after a long focus on her music career, which has seen her amass over 38 billion streams globally.

Her role in the recent Netflix production "Emilia Pérez," a unique Mexican crime-telenovela-musical, has sparked significant awards buzz for both Gomez and her co-stars. The film made waves at the Cannes Film Festival, where its female-led cast was honored with the Best Actress award. Despite the film's success, Gomez recalls being astonished by the overwhelming recognition, noting, “I thought it was just going to be a movie that came out in France.”

Interestingly, French director Jacques Audiard, who hadn’t fully grasped the extent of her fame, felt drawn to Gomez based purely on her acting skills, recalling it was "love at first sight." Similarly, co-star Karla Sofía Gascón was initially unaware of Gomez's background, though her daughter was a devoted fan. Gascón remarked on how protective she felt over Gomez during filming, culminating in a heartwarming camaraderie between the two.

During a recent candid interview, Gomez reflected on her career trajectory, which began with her early role on "Barney & Friends" and transitioned into the Disney spotlight. “Acting is a rush,” she expresses, highlighting her strategic choices in selecting unconventional projects that defy public expectations of her.

Despite her immense popularity and a staggering 423 million followers on Instagram, Gomez often faces challenges in auditioning for roles. To combat the perception of being “too young,” she sometimes submits auditions without revealing her identity. “Sometimes they just need to see what I can do without knowing it’s me,” she explains, showing her determination to earn roles on merit alone.

Looking ahead, Gomez is focused on working with industry titans, aspiring to collaborate with the likes of Aaron Sorkin and Martin Scorsese, noting that she’s more interested in compelling stories than leading roles. Having transitioned from her Disney roots, she is now eager to balance her past while exploring new creative avenues, including an upcoming Linda Ronstadt biopic.

As for her return to Disney with a sequel to "Wizards of Waverly Place," Gomez asserts it was a mutual desire borne from her love for the show and its nostalgic impact. “It’s a way to honor that part of myself,” she states.

In her personal life, Gomez navigates fame with documentaries that siphon off the pressures she’s faced, including mental health struggles showcased in "Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me." She emphasizes that while vulnerability holds power, she doesn't want to be viewed as a victim, insisting that her story is about strength and resilience.

Gomez's insights come as she continues to advocate for mental health, with her beauty line, Rare Beauty, pledging a portion of its profits to mental health initiatives.

With a reported net worth of $1.3 billion, Gomez maintains a grounded perspective about her success, stating, “I don't think anything about me has changed,” while focusing on her ambitions in the film and TV realm.

Looking toward the future, she expresses excitement for what’s next: “I feel like I haven’t even started in film and TV yet,” hinting at a reinvigorated chapter in her storied career. Gomez embodies a sense of fulfillment, stating, “I love where I am in every aspect of my life right now, and I’m really proud of how far I’ve come.”