Salma Hayek is once again making headlines as she dives deep both professionally and philanthropically. Recently, the actress lent her talent to the set of Angelina Jolie’s upcoming film, Without Blood, where she observed the hard work of Jolie's two eldest sons, Maddox and Pax, involved behind the scenes.
Shooting for the film commenced with high expectations, and the film is set to premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. According to PEOPLE, Hayek, who has established a close friendship with Jolie over the years, expressed admiration for Maddox and Pax’s professionalism. "They work hard. They are very serious about what they do," Hayek shared, reflecting on how Jolie managed the set with professionalism and care.
Hayek had the opportunity to witness the unique dynamics of the Jolie household as the eldest two boys took on assistant director roles. "I was teasing them at the beginning, but then I had to say, 'No. I have to separate and just treat them like professionals because it's disrespectful,' " she recalled during her time at the PEOPLE/Entertainment Weekly TIFF suite on September 8. She noted how the brothers commanded respect among the crew, showcasing their dedication to the task at hand.
Adding to the familial ambiance, Hayek's daughter Valentina, aged 16, also contributed to the behind-the-scenes environment, making the production feel inviting and comfortable. "It felt just so comfortable and lovely," Hayek explained, reflecting on the emotional depth of the subject matter, which dealt with significant themes of suffering after war. "It was kind of fun," she noted of the dynamics on set, where she felt she flipped roles — sometimes serving as a mother figure to Jolie, and at other times, experiencing Jolie's supportive motherly qualities.
Jolie herself expressed pride and joy over her son’s involvement, stating, "They’ve done this quite a few times, and I think it’s good for them." She highlighted Pax's role, stating, "Pax tends to do stills and he gets brought in, and Pablo was wonderful and recognized he was good at it." The sense of familial support displayed through this collaboration seems to have produced rewarding experiences all around.
Aside from her on-set experiences, Salma Hayek recently made headlines at the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral on September 16, 2023, more than five years after the iconic site suffered devastating fire damage. Alongside her husband François-Henri Pinault, who has significantly contributed to the restoration efforts, they joined numerous dignitaries, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and even the U.S. first lady, Jill Biden.
During the significant event, Hayek took to social media to share her thoughts: "Honored and standing in awe at the reopening of Notre-Dame—a true moment in history and a symbol of resilience and hope." This was expressed not just as self-praise but as recognition of the resilience represented by the restoration of such important global heritage.
Pinault's family company, Kering, has pledged $113 million to aid the cathedral's restoration alongside other significant donors, contributing to the $565 million restoration total. Their generosity goes beyond financial contributions; Hayek proudly stated, "I feel proud to be part of the Pinault family... not only for their personal and heartfelt participation but also because their contribution won't be taking advantage of French tax credits." This commitment aims to highlight their dedication to preserving cultural treasures for the public good rather than personal gain.
Raised within affluence herself, Hayek understands the weight of legacy and philanthropy. Born to an opera singer and oil executive, her ascent to stardom began with her role in the 1995 film Desperado and led to her marriage with Pinault, creating their shared life of privilege. Together, they cherish their teenage daughter and maintain relations with Pinault’s children from earlier relationships.
Looking back on the past couple of months, Hayek's engagements embody both her commitment to quality filmmaking and her values surrounding philanthropy, showcasing her ability to bridge her Hollywood career with heartfelt contributions to significant cultural efforts. Whether on set or at monumental events, her life reflects passion driven by both family and purpose.
