Selena Gomez wanted to go from people you know to people you don't.
The Only Murders in the Building star shared that it was cathartic to work with director Jacques Audiard on her forthcoming movie Emilia Perez because he didn't let any preconceived notions about her sway how he treated her on set.
"I think it was genuinely his mind and how he works," Selena exclusively told E! News' Francesca Amiker at the Toronto International Film Festival's premiere of Emilia Perez on Sept. 9. "He has this way of making me feel like, as an actor, I was a blank canvas."
In fact, the 32-year-old—who stars in the film alongside Zoe Saldana, Édgar Ramirez, Adriana Paz and Karla Sofia Gascón—felt like the moment that she stepped onto the shoot, he encouraged her to transform into her character Jessi Del Monte.
"He didn't see me as anything other than Jessi," Selena continued. "I loved that. I felt like I could be whoever I wanted to be."
She added, "It was very empowering."
And while Jacques supported Selena in her Emilia Perez role on set, she also had her mom Mandy Teefy cheering her on at home.
"She's been so supportive of all this," the "Hands to Myself" singer shared, "and I'm so happy."
And that's not the only person Selena has in her corner as of late. For one, she recently shared that she can always turn to pal Taylor Swift, who she said is"really like a big sister to me" in an interview with Vanity Fair published Sept. 9.
Plus, Selena has developed a really rare bond with boyfriend Benny Blanco, who she started dating back in July 2023.
“I’ve never been loved this way," Selena told Vanity Fair. "He’s just been a light. A complete light in my life."
Describing him as her "best friend," she added, "I love telling him everything.”
For more stars who showed out for the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, keep reading.
Rebel Wilson and Daughter Royce
Rebel had a very special outing with daughter Royce to celebrate her film The Deb.
Lucy Liu
The Charlie's Angels alum looked sparkly in silver at the premiere of Presence.
Scarlett Crabtree
The Australian actress looked positively adorable as she hit the red carpet in costume for the premiere of her feature film debut, The Deb.
Kaia Gerber
The supermodel strutted down the red carpet runway.
Rebel Wilson and Ramona Agruma
The couple were all smiles as they attended the premiere of The Deb, Rebel's directorial debut.
Kate Hudson
The How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days actress looked pretty in pink as she attended the premiere of her film Shell.
Sarah Paulson
The American Horror Story star went for a dramatic look at the premiere of her film Hold Your Breath.
Kiefer Sutherland
The 24 alum took a moment to pose with his adoring fans as he attended the premiere of Takin’ Care of Business.
Gillian Anderson
The X-Files alum looked extra sparkly as she hit the red carpet.
Jason Isaacs
The Harry Potter alum kept it simple at the Royal Alexandra Theatre for his film The Salt Path.
Este Haim
The Haim member looked fabulous in all black as she flexed her acting muscles in Shell.
Diane Kruger
The National Treasure actress proved she's a treasure herself as she snapped a selfie with fans at the premiere of The Shrouds.
Morena Baccarin
The Deadpool star was a vision in violet as she attended the premiere of her film, Millers in Marriage.
Kaia Gerber and Kate Hudson
The actresses enjoyed some girl talk over a glass of Campari at an after-party for the Shell premiere.
Will Ferrell and Harper Steele
The best friends of over 30 years hit the red carpet together for the premiere of their new documentary, Will & Harper.
Benjamin Bratt
The Miss Congeniality alum and his gray beard flashed a smile at the premiere of Millers in Marriage.
Bing the Dog
Bing proved he's a very good boy as he posed on the red carpet for the premiere of his movie, The Friend.
Julianna Margulies
The Good Wife alum struck a pose on the carpet for the premiere of her upcoming film Millers in Marriage.
Rachel Sennott
The Bottoms actress gave her best smize to the camera while posing alongside a llama.
Patrick Wilson
The Phantom of the Opera star struck the right chord in an all-black ensemble.
Denzel Washington and Family
The Oscar winner was joined by his wife Pauletta Washington and children Katia Washington, Malcolm Washington and John David Washington for the premiere of The Piano Lesson, which was written by son Malcolm and stars John David.
Brian d'Arcy James
The Broadway star was all smiles for the camera as he attended the premiere of Millers in Marriage.
Bill Murray
The Ghostbusters star was busting hunger pangs, passing out French fries at the Riff Raff premiere afterparty.
Dylan O'Brien
The Teen Wolf actor went for a black on black on black look while attending the premiere of Saturday Night.
Pharrell Williams
The "Happy" singer hit the red carpet with his mini Lego figure for the premiere of his film Piece By Piece, which tells the story of his life through Lego animation.
Carla Gugino and Naomi Watts
The Friend costars went for contrasting vibes while enjoying an afterparty together.
Nicholas Braun and J.K. Simmons
The Saturday Night costars looked delighted to be celebrating their upcoming movie.
Cate Blanchett
The Oscar winner was ready for a spoon-related emergency as she attended the premiere of her film Disclaimer.
Selena Gomez
The Only Murders in the Building actress looked instantly iconic for the premiere of Emilia Perez.
Grace Vanderwaal
The Stargirl alum cut a striking figure on the red carpet to celebrate the premiere of Megalopolis.