Salma Hayek is a true force of nature. The Mexican actress has cemented herself as a powerhouse actress, with an edge and elegance that makes her stand out in a sea of barely clad actresses on the red carpet. She became the first Spanish-speaking actress to win an Oscar in 2002 for her role in Frida, and has previously been nominated for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards for her roles in films such as Frida, The Wedding Planner, and Nacho Libre. She’s also become a fashion icon. In 2013, she was tapped to be the new face of Gucci’s Beauty campaign — which also features herself and Penelope Cruz. Hayek’s spot — like Thompson’s — carries over from former frontwoman Sofia Coppola, who is noted for her accessorizing aesthetic. (Do you see a pattern?) The former GQ sexiest woman in the world may have more curves and curves than you thought, but her elegance and simplicity turn her into an edgy figure. While many Latinas have spoken to their appreciation for the actress’ weight, the subject has never been too taboo for Hayek. At the Women In Film and Desert Palm Achievement Awards, the longtime manager of her Mexican food-themed restaurant in Hollywood told The New York Times that she would never be happy until her restaurant “had thighs.” “My daughter always says, ‘When is Salma going to get ugly, mad and fat?” she later said at the event. “I was always fat and unattractive. It wasn’t until I was 30 that I started to wear heels, and at 42, my husband said, ‘You need to shave your head and start to look like an 18-year-old model.’” She shot to fame in the 1990s with the cult classic “Chupacabra!”, and cemented herself as a film and television star with the somewhat irrelevant but much-acclaimed 2002 movie Home of the Brave. The movie features the actress playing a nun who uses her intellect to help take down a drug cartel. And though she may have had a bit of an early career bump, her Oscar-nominated performance is one for the history books. For a bit of inspiration, check out this promotional Instagram video of the star taking a break from rehearsals for a new TV show:
Photo: Roberto Machado Noa