Selena Gomez's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 26, 2026

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Selena Gomez. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Selena Gomez is an American actress, singer, songwriter, businesswoman, and producer. She started her career as a child actress on Barney & Friends and gained prominence as Alex Russo in Disney's Wizards of Waverly Place. She signed with Hollywood Records in 2008 and formed Selena Gomez & the Scene, releasing three albums between 2009 and 2011.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

September 2009: Appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

In September 2009, Selena Gomez was appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, becoming the organization's youngest ambassador at the time.

2013: Received the Chris Greicius Celebrity Award from Make-A-Wish Foundation

By 2013, Selena Gomez had granted more than 90 wishes through her work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and received the organization's Chris Greicius Celebrity Award.

2014: Ultimate Choice Award at the Teen Choice Awards

In 2014, Selena Gomez received the Ultimate Choice Award at the Teen Choice Awards, marking a significant achievement in her career.

2015: Chart-Topper Award at Billboard Women in Music

In 2015, Selena Gomez was honored with the Chart-Topper Award at the Billboard Women in Music event, recognizing her success in the music industry.

November 2016: American Music Awards Win

In November 2016, Selena Gomez made her first public appearance in several months at the American Music Awards, where she won Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist and was nominated for Artist of the Year.

2016: Named to Forbes 30 Under 30

In 2016, Selena Gomez was named to Forbes 30 Under 30, acknowledging her accomplishments and potential as a young leader.

September 2017: Revealed kidney transplant due to lupus

In September 2017, Selena Gomez revealed on Instagram that she had withdrawn from public events during the previous few months because she had received a kidney transplant from actress and friend Francia Raisa due to complications from lupus.

2017: Woman of the Year at Billboard Women in Music

In 2017, Selena Gomez was named Woman of the Year at the Billboard Women in Music event, solidifying her impact and influence in music.

2020: Honored as Leading Lady of Entertainment and recipient of Arts Award

In 2020, Selena Gomez was honored by the Latin Recording Academy as one of the Leading Ladies of Entertainment and received the Arts Award from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, recognizing her contributions to entertainment and the arts.

2020: Included on Time's 100 Most Influential People list

In 2020, Time included Selena Gomez on its annual list of the 100 most influential people, recognizing her widespread impact and influence.

2023: "Calm Down" success and awards

In 2023, Selena Gomez's feature on Rema's "Calm Down" remix achieved international success, becoming the second best-selling song worldwide according to the IFPI and receiving a Top Afrobeats Song award at the Billboard Music Awards, and Best Afrobeats at the MTV Video Music Awards.

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2024: Accepting Spotlight Award and discussing acting preferences

In 2024, Selena Gomez accepted the Spotlight Award at the IndieWire honors, expressing her preference for working with auteur filmmakers and taking on unconventional supporting roles.

2024: Starring in Emilia Pérez and Award

In 2024, Selena Gomez starred in Jacques Audiard's Emilia Pérez, premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, where Gomez and her co-stars won the Best Actress Award. She also received nominations for the BAFTA Award and Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress.

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2024: Appointed Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and recipient of Equity in Entertainment Award

In 2024, Selena Gomez was appointed Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Minister of Culture and received the Equity in Entertainment Award at The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment gala, acknowledging her contributions to arts and entertainment and her advocacy for equity.

2025: Latin Woman of the Year at Billboard Latin Women in Music

In 2025, Selena Gomez received the Latin Woman of the Year award at the Billboard Latin Women in Music event, celebrating her contributions to Latin music.