Salma Hayek Graces Vogue Arabia’s May 2024 Cover

Salma Hayek Pinault, the acclaimed Mexican-Lebanese actress, has been featured as the cover star of Vogue Arabia’s May 2024 issue. In an exclusive interview conducted by her long-time friend and fellow Academy Award winner, Penélope Cruz, Hayek Pinault offers a deeply personal glimpse into her life and Arab heritage.

Vogue editor-in-chief Manuel Arnaut expressed the publication’s pride in having Hayek Pinault on the cover, stating that the magazine needs “global icons who stand for this part of the world, and who speak loud about what it means to be Arab today.” Despite being born in Mexico, Hayek Pinault’s father is of Lebanese descent, and she was proudly raised within a vibrant Lebanese community.

In the cover story, Hayek Pinault reflects on how her Arab upbringing has shaped her into the woman she is today. She speaks passionately about the “almost unmatchable passion for life” that is characteristic of Arabs, and how this is “constantly tested” by the confrontation with death. The actress also emphasizes the importance of family and shared meals in Arab culture, describing it as “a blessing.”

Hayek Pinault’s commitment to her craft extends beyond the conventional, as she delves into the dark web and TikTok to fully immerse herself in the world of her characters. For her role in the upcoming film “Shaimaa,” she worked closely with the director and a local girl from the same neighborhood to understand the nuances of the character’s body language and dialect.

The issue also features an interview with interior designer Lara Ben Jaber, who shares her approach to design and the gradual process of furnishing her 1930s abode. As Salma Hayek Pinault graces the cover of Vogue Arabia, her powerful presence and unwavering connection to her Arab heritage serve as a testament to the diversity and richness of the region. What do you think this cover story reveals about the intersection of Hayek Pinault’s Mexican and Arab identities?