At the 2025 Golden Globes held on January 5, actress and singer Selena Gomez experienced one of the most emotional moments of her career, sharing tears of joy during her first red carpet appearance. The 32-year-old star was nominated for two prestigious awards, but it was her encounter with actress Salma Hayek, 58, on the red carpet, which truly moved her.
Before Gomez could even begin her interview with red carpet co-host Marc Malkin, tears began to flow as she approached the podium. Hayek, who was about to be interviewed herself, surprised everyone by jumping down from her spot, wrapping Gomez in a warm embrace. Hayek insisted Gomez take her place beside Malkin, prompting the younger actress to exclaim, "It’s actually the sweetest thing ever." Visibly moved, Gomez added, "I love her. I looked up to her. My dad’s crush was her. Everything." The emotional exchange deeply touched Gomez, capturing the hearts of fans and viewers alike.
Gomez graced the red carpet dressed in a stunning "Cinderella-like" Prada gown, complemented by exquisite Tiffany jewelry. Notably, her nominations included Best Supporting Actress for her role as Jessi Del Monte in the Spanish-language film Emilia Pérez, marking her first award nod for a role delivered entirely in Spanish. She was also nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy for Hulu’s hit series Only Murders in the Building.
The actress was not alone during her moment on the red carpet. Shortly after, she was joined by her illustrious co-stars Steve Martin, 79, and Martin Short, 78, who play pivotal roles alongside her on Only Murders in the Building. The trio immediately showcased their on-screen chemistry, with Short humorously serenading Gomez, calling attention to their fun dynamic. Gomez made light of Martin's antics, jokingly saying, "Oh, someone needs attention" as Martin fussed with his hair mid-interview.
During the interview, Gomez credited her collaboration with Martin and Short as pivotal to her presence at such high-profile award shows. "This is the reason I ever was at the Golden Globes is these two guys," she stated, highlighting the support and camaraderie they share. Martin, returning the compliment, praised Gomez’s double nominations, declaring, "How ‘bout this gal? It’s just amazing." His encouraging words only served to amplify Gomez's emotions, underscoring the heartfelt connections formed within their professional circle.
Gomez's heartfelt responses and emotional reactions echoed throughout the evening as she participated in other segments of the ceremony. With her multifaceted achievements, the ceremony became not just about recognition through nominations, but also about celebrating the relatability and heartwarming inclusivity within the entertainment industry.
The film Emilia Pérez, which received multiple nominations at the ceremony, highlights Gomez's versatility as both an actress and singer, showcasing her evolution within the industry. The film's ten nominations also include Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy, adding to the night's significance.
With her fiancé Benny Blanco accompanying her, Gomez made it clear this night, filled with tender moments and historic achievements, would remain etched in her memory. From wiping away tears of joy to laughing with her iconic co-stars, Gomez embodied the essence of celebration and heartfelt gratitude during this year's Golden Globes.
This year's awards not only recognized outstanding performances but also highlighted the bonds of friendship and mentorship within the industry, exemplified perfectly by the touching hug and kind words shared between Gomez and Hayek. Such moments, as Gomez noted, remind us of the support and encouragement inherent to their shared successes.