Salma Hayek Pinault: A Career of Breaking Barriers and Defining Glamour

LONDON, 27 January 2026 – Salma Hayek Pinault stands as one of Hollywood’s most enduring and influential figures. Over a career spanning nearly four decades, the Mexican-American actress and producer has transitioned from a telenovela star to an Oscar-nominated leading lady, a powerful producer, and a consistent red-carpet trendsetter. As she continues to take on diverse roles and champion important causes, her impact on both cinema and culture remains profound.

From Coatzacoalcos to Hollywood

Born in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico, on 2 September 1966, Salma Hayek began her career on Mexican television, most notably in the popular telenovela Teresa. Her move to Hollywood in the early 1990s led to breakout roles in Robert Rodriguez’s Desperado (1995) and From Dusk till Dawn (1996). She cemented her status as a major star with films like Wild Wild West (1999) and achieved critical zenith with her passionate portrayal of artist Frida Kahlo in the 2002 biopic Frida, which earned her Academy Award, BAFTA, and Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress.

Recent Projects and Accolades

Hayek’s career has shown remarkable versatility in recent years. She joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the eternal Ajak in Eternals (2021) and delivered a acclaimed supporting turn in Ridley Scott’s House of Gucci (2021). She has continued her successful voice work, reprising her role as Kitty Softpaws in the critically adored Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022). In 2023, she appeared as herself in a standout episode of Netflix’s Black Mirror.

Her recent producing efforts include serving as an executive producer on the 2024 television reimagining of the classic Mexican story Like Water for Chocolate. She also starred in the 2025 ensemble action-comedy Sacrifice, directed by Romain Gavras.

Her contributions have been recognised with numerous honours, including a Daytime Emmy Award for directing, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2021, and being named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2023. In 2025, she graced the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, challenging conventional norms about age and beauty.

Key Facts & Career Highlights

A Signature of Red-Carpet Elegance

Salma Hayek is equally renowned for her impeccable and confident style. Frequently wearing designs from Kering-owned brands like Gucci, Alexander McQueen, and Balenciaga (her husband is the CEO of Kering), she has become a fixture on best-dressed lists. Her 2025 appearances were particularly notable: at the Cannes Film Festival, she captivated in a feathered, petrol green gown for the Kering Women in Motion Awards, and at the Breakthrough Prize ceremony, she mastered maximalist Victorian-chic in a sheer black Yves Saint Laurent creation. Her looks consistently blend glamour, bold colour, and sophisticated silhouettes that celebrate her figure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Salma Hayek’s most famous role?

She is best known for her Oscar-nominated portrayal of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo in the 2002 biopic Frida, a project she also produced. This role made her the first Mexican actress nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Is Salma Hayek in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

Yes. She played Ajak, the spiritual leader of the Eternals, in the 2021 film Eternals, directed by Chloé Zhao. She has signed a deal to appear in multiple future MCU projects.

What are Salma Hayek’s upcoming films?

Her most recent released film is the 2025 action-adventure comedy Sacrifice. She is also attached to star in Angelina Jolie’s upcoming film Without Blood, based on the novel by Alessandro Baricco.

What charities does she support?

Hayek is a passionate advocate for women’s rights. She co-founded the Kering Foundation in 2008, which supports women survivors of violence, and is a board member of V-Day, the global activist movement to end violence against women and girls.