Selena Gomez and Saoirse Ronan discuss addiction, acting challenges, and cultural representation

Selena Gomez and Saoirse Ronan engaged in a thought-provoking discussion during Variety’s Actors on Actors series, covering diverse topics such as addiction, challenging roles, and cultural representation in cinema. The session revealed how both actresses navigate deeply personal and transformative roles.

Gomez, who stars in Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez, shared how immersing herself in Spanish for the role allowed her to honor her cultural roots. Her character, Jessi, struggles with self-discovery after losing her partner. Gomez called the experience therapeutic, adding that singing in Spanish added an emotional depth to the project. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed gratitude for her supportive mother, who helped her maintain a balanced upbringing amidst the pressures of childhood stardom.

Ronan discussed her work in The Outrun, a deeply personal project addressing addiction. She revealed how producing and acting in the film allowed her to process her own experiences with addiction’s impact. “It’s a monster I had to confront,” Ronan admitted, detailing the emotional weight of certain scenes. Her other film, Blitz, further challenged her as she portrayed a young mother navigating the chaos of war-torn London.

The actresses bonded over the shared emotional toll of their roles and how performing can be both draining and healing. Ronan explained, “You channel emotions into the performance, and by the end, it’s almost cleansing.”

Both stars emphasized the importance of storytelling in reflecting lived experiences. Gomez noted her deliberate choices to tackle roles that challenge her, while Ronan highlighted the universal struggles underlying her historical and contemporary characters.