Selena Gomez exuded elegance on the red carpet at The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment Gala breakfast on Wednesday.
The star-studded event, which also featured Jennifer Lawrence, Laura Dern, and Pamela Anderson, was held at the renowned Beverly Hills Hotel.
The 32-year-old actress dazzled in a flirty off-the-shoulder black-and-white dress that accentuated her curves, complete with gold buttons down the front and on the pockets for an extra touch of flair.
Gomez styled her dark hair in a playful bob and opted for a peach-toned lipstick. She completed her look with Manolo Blahnik Camparipearl black suede Mary Jane pumps.
During her acceptance speech for the Equity in Entertainment Award, the girlfriend of Benny Blanco emphasized the importance of showcasing diverse actresses, pledging to “open doors” for more Latinas.
The former Disney star accessorized with several gold rings and carried a chic black quilted Chanel purse. She sat alongside her friend Lawrence and was seen chatting with her “Only Murders in the Building” co-star Molly Shannon, actress Kerry Washington, and former studio head turned philanthropist Sherry Lansing.
On stage, Gomez called for continued growth in representation within the entertainment industry.
“Equity and representation mean ensuring that women, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities to share their stories and showcase their talents,” she began. “It’s about moving from tokenism to true inclusion, creating spaces where women of all races, sexual orientations, and abilities are welcome.”
Reflecting on her own journey, she recalled being told how remarkable it was for a Latina to star in “Wizards of Waverly Place.” Although she didn’t initially grasp the significance of representation, she felt immense gratitude and a desire to live up to that legacy.
Gomez stressed the importance of young girls seeing themselves as heroes, saying, “We are now seeing more authentic, powerful stories about who we are, where we come from, and what we’re capable of accomplishing. While we’re making progress, we still have work to do.”
She also mentioned her film “Emilia Pérez,” highlighting the importance of truthful representation of Hispanic voices: “When we give people the platform to tell their stories, we deepen our understanding of one another and open doors to what’s possible.”
Her commitment to advocacy, encompassing mental health, Lupus awareness, and encouraging vulnerability, was also a focal point of her speech. She concluded, “Together, we can break down barriers, amplify women’s voices, and create a future where everyone’s stories are told.”