Salma Hayek celebrates Mexican roots: 'Wouldn't change it for anything'
Synopsis
Salma Hayek's Instagram tribute to her Mexican roots is more than a cultural moment — it is a reminder of how identity has powered one of Hollywood's most enduring careers. The actress who broke barriers as the first Mexican woman nominated for a Best Actress Oscar says she carries Mexico with her wherever she goes.
Key Takeaways
Salma Hayek shared an Instagram video montage on 16 September celebrating her Mexican heritage .
She wrote: 'I wouldn't change being Mexican for anything in the world.' Her role in the biopic Frida made her the first Mexican actress nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress .
Her portrayal of Ajak in Eternals remains her highest-grossing live-action film.
She is married to business magnate François-Henri Pinault and has one daughter.
Hollywood actress Salma Hayek has paid an emotional tribute to her Mexican heritage, sharing on Instagram a video montage of images that capture her celebrating her roots, honouring the women who shaped her, and carrying a piece of home with her wherever she travels.
What Hayek Said
In the caption accompanying the post, Hayek wrote: 'I wouldn't change being Mexican for anything in the world. It's in the way I love, the way I celebrate, the way I show up for my family, and the way I carry home with me no matter where I am.'
She added: 'Today I celebrate Mexico, my roots, and all the women who came before me and made me who I am.' The post drew wide attention, resonating with fans across Latin America and the global diaspora.
A Career Rooted in Two Worlds
Hayek began her entertainment journey in Mexico, earning early recognition through the telenovela Teresa and the romantic drama Midaq Alley. She subsequently transitioned to Hollywood, appearing in Desperado, From Dusk till Dawn, Wild Wild West, and Dogma.
Her defining moment came with the biopic Frida (2002), in which she portrayed iconic painter Frida Kahlo. The role earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress, making her the first Mexican actress to receive that distinction.
Evolving Roles and Commercial Success
Hayek broadened her portfolio by shifting focus to producing alongside starring roles in Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003), After the Sunset, and Bandidas. She then achieved wide commercial appeal with the comedy franchises Grown Ups and Grown Ups 2, as well as the action-comedy The Hitman's Bodyguard.
She also lent her voice to the animated films Puss in Boots, Sausage Party, and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. In the dramatic sphere, she earned critical recognition for Tale of Tales, Beatriz at Dinner, and House of Gucci.
Marvel, Global Recognition and Personal Life
Hayek's portrayal of Ajak in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Eternals became her highest-grossing live-action release. Various media outlets have cited her as one of Hollywood's most powerful and influential Latina actresses. She is married to business magnate François-Henri Pinault, with whom she has a daughter.
As conversations around cultural identity and representation continue to grow in global entertainment, Hayek's public embrace of her heritage underscores the enduring significance of roots in shaping artistic identity.
Point of View
Yet the pipeline for Mexican and Latin American actresses in leading Hollywood roles remains thin. That she still feels compelled to publicly celebrate an identity she once had to fight to keep visible is both inspiring and telling. The industry has moved, but not nearly as far as the headlines suggest.
NationPress
16 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Salma Hayek share the Instagram post celebrating Mexico?
Salma Hayek posted a video montage on Instagram to celebrate her Mexican heritage, honouring her roots and the women who shaped her. She wrote that being Mexican defines the way she loves, celebrates, and stays connected to family.
What is Salma Hayek's historic Academy Award connection?
Salma Hayek became the first Mexican actress to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress, earning the recognition for her portrayal of painter Frida Kahlo in the 2002 biopic Frida.
What is Salma Hayek's highest-grossing film?
Salma Hayek's highest-grossing live-action film is Eternals (2021), in which she played Ajak as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
How did Salma Hayek begin her acting career?
Hayek began her career in Mexico with starring roles in the telenovela Teresa and the romantic drama Midaq Alley, before transitioning to Hollywood with films such as Desperado and From Dusk till Dawn.
Who is Salma Hayek married to?
Salma Hayek is married to French business magnate François-Henri Pinault. The couple have one daughter together.
