Selena Gomez, a global icon known for her roles as a singer, actress, producer, and social activist, will officially receive the prestigious Equity in Entertainment Award at The Hollywood Reporter’s (THR) annual Women in Entertainment event on December 4 in Los Angeles. This award celebrates individuals who amplify the voices of underrepresented communities in entertainment, and Gomez’s tireless contributions make her a well-deserving recipient.
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Selena Gomez and the Equity in Entertainment Award
THR established the Equity in Entertainment Award in 2016 to honor individuals who elevate the voices of underrepresented communities in the industry. Previous honorees include Kerry Washington, Issa Rae, Ryan Murphy, Amy Pascal, Nina Jacobson, and Selma Blair. The choice to honor Selena Gomez this year reflects not only her influence but also her active role in promoting a more equitable and inclusive entertainment environment.
THR’s co-editors-in-chief, Nekesa Mumbi Moody and Maer Roshan, shared: “Selena Gomez has inspired people worldwide not just as an incredible entertainer but also as someone deeply committed to advocacy. From raising awareness and funds for youth mental health through the Rare Impact Fund to her lupus advocacy, Selena doesn’t just speak but takes action. She is a standout leader paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive future.”
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Selena Gomez’s Contributions to Community
Throughout her career, Selena has stood out not only as an artist but also for her philanthropic work. She is currently an executive producer and lead actress in the popular Hulu series Only Murders in the Building, co-starring Steve Martin and Martin Short. This role has earned her multiple Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award nominations for best actress in a comedy series.
Selena will next appear in Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez on Netflix, a film that won the best actress award at Cannes Film Festival. She has also produced successful projects like the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why and the docuseries Living Undocumented. Her accomplishments as a producer have made her the most Emmy-nominated Latina producer in history.
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Other Milestones in Selena Gomez’s Career
Selena is also a beloved global music artist. With over 191 million singles sold and more than 38 billion streams, she has secured her place in the music industry. In 2019, she launched Rare Beauty exclusively with Sephora and established the Rare Impact Fund, committing $100 million for mental health services for underserved communities. She is also the co-founder of Wondermind, a mental health ecosystem focused on supporting users’ mental well-being.
Selena has used her influence to support various charitable organizations, including UNICEF, Make-A-Wish, The Lupus Research Alliance, and the Center for Countering Digital Hate. She has collaborated with leaders such as President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, former First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Stacey Abrams to advocate for critical issues, including mental health and fighting online abuse.
Women in Entertainment Event and Selena Gomez’s Role
The Women in Entertainment event will gather over 600 industry leaders and VIPs, marking THR’s significant annual celebration. The event coincides with the release of THR’s Power 100 list, which honors the most powerful female executives and talents in the entertainment industry.
Additionally, around 30 high school students participating in THR’s Women in Entertainment Mentorship Program will attend the event. During the gala, students will receive over $1 million in university scholarships. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the mentorship program, a joint effort between THR and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles, providing educational and career opportunities for underserved students.
As a pioneering figure in promoting inclusivity in entertainment, Selena Gomez serves as an ideal role model for the young students involved in the program. Her receipt of the Equity in Entertainment Award not only acknowledges her contributions but also inspires young people to lead, take action, and create change.
Selena Gomez continues to solidify her position in the entertainment industry not only through her talent but also through her deep contributions to the community. From music and acting to philanthropy, Selena has consistently shown herself to be a force for positive change. The Equity in Entertainment Award at the Women in Entertainment Gala celebrates her career achievements and serves as an encouragement for those dedicated to a more inclusive and fair world.