Selena Gomez recently shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her intense audition process for Emilia Perez, the latest Netflix film by acclaimed director Jacques Audiard. The film, an operatic musical with a dark twist, sees Gomez stepping out of her comfort zone to portray Jessi Del Monte, the wife of a notorious drug lord. In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the 32-year-old actress and singer opened up about the “wild” experience that left her feeling completely out of control, describing it as one of her most challenging auditions to date.

Gomez, who attended the film’s Los Angeles premiere alongside co-stars Zoe Saldana, Karla Sofia Gascon, Adriana Paz, and Edgar Ramirez, recounted how she “blacked out” during her audition, throwing herself fully into the role. Despite her experience in the industry, the actress admitted that embodying Jessi was an unexpectedly intense journey. “I had no idea what Jacques was aiming for,” she confessed. “He just told me to act drunk, throw my shoes around, and just go crazy. So, I went all out.”

Describing the freedom Audiard granted her, Gomez explained that he encouraged her to delve deeper into the chaotic essence of her character. “I did it once, and he said, ‘Go crazier,’” she shared. “I was standing on furniture, singing at the top of my lungs, dancing like a mad woman—it was like I became someone else entirely.” She went on to describe the surreal experience of being so immersed that she could barely remember the details afterward. “I really blacked out,” Gomez said. “I was just in the moment, and I think that’s what he wanted. He didn’t want it to be perfect; he wanted it to be raw.”

Audiard’s approach is well-known for pushing actors to tap into new depths, and Gomez expressed gratitude for his guidance and trust. “I’m incredibly grateful to Jacques for creating a space where I could really let go and explore something so different from what I’ve done before,” she said. The film marks a departure from the star’s previous roles, showing a side of Gomez audiences haven’t seen before.

The Los Angeles premiere saw Gomez and her fellow cast members, including Zoe Saldana and Edgar Ramirez, gracing the black carpet in stunning, avant-garde attire that matched the edgy tone of Emilia Perez. The glamorous event underscored the film’s high-profile status, with critics already buzzing about its bold narrative and Gomez’s transformative performance. As she reflected on the experience, Gomez said that although it was a “crazy” process, she felt “honored” to take on a role that allowed her to push boundaries and challenge herself in unexpected ways.