The film saw her playing a more mature character than she did previously. Gomez was part of the main cast of the controversial Harmony Korine-directed crime film Spring Breakers (2012), starring James Franco. The following year, she played the lead role of Grace, a teenager 'mistaken for a British heiress', in the comedy film Monte Carlo. Gomez then starred in the film adaptation of the children's novel series by Beverly Cleary, Ramona and Beezus (2010), with Gomez portraying Beezus Quimby. This was followed by lead roles in two 2009 Disney Channel films- Princess Protection Program and Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie-the latter was cable's number-one scripted telecast of the year in total viewers and won a Primetime Emmy Award. Gomez had a leading role as an aspiring dancer in the direct-to-video film Another Cinderella Story (2008), and won the Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a TV Movie - Leading Young Actress. It garnered positive reviews, with Gomez's being particularly praised for her comic timing and sarcastic delivery. She rose to prominence for her lead role as Alex Russo on the Emmy Award-winning Disney Channel television series, Wizards of Waverly Place (2007–2012).
As a child, she began her acting career by appearing on the children's television series Barney & Friends (2002–2004). Selena Gomez is an American actress, singer, and producer.