- Salma Hayek-Pinault admitted to feeling anxious before her SI Swimsuit shoot but overcame imposter syndrome on set.
- Photographed by Ruven Afanador in Mexico, her 2025 SI Swimsuit cover drew widespread praise.
- Hayek-Pinault described a transformative moment — moving from panic to pride and freedom.
- Her message celebrates age, body confidence, and embracing change as we head into 2026.
From panic to power on the Mexico set
When Salma Hayek-Pinault arrived for her 2025 SI Swimsuit shoot in Mexico she was, by her own admission, nervous and shaken. The 59-year-old actress told Sports Illustrated she experienced imposter syndrome leading up to the session — until a moment in nature changed everything.
Captured by photographer Ruven Afanador at Cuixmala, Hayek-Pinault moved from “absolute anxiety and panic” to “absolute peace and freedom,” she said. The resulting cover — a striking image of the actress kneeling in a power stance, wet hair slicked back — prompted instant reactions online, with fans calling it “ICONIC” and “Amazing.”
Her words: confidence as a spiritual shift
Hayek-Pinault described the turning point simply: “I said, ‘F— it. I am this ocean. I am this sand. I am this wind. I am beautiful like it is. Imperfect but wild and beautiful.’” That declaration marked a deep shift from self-doubt to celebration of her body and age.
The actress framed the experience as almost spiritual — a public embrace of the changes she’s seen and a gratitude that society is increasingly celebrating beauty at different ages. “When you are always open and looking for the opportunity to grow and you evolve, you will surprise yourself,” she added in her cover interview.
Why the shoot matters
Beyond the photographs, Hayek-Pinault’s feature resonates because it challenges narrow ideas about age and beauty in mainstream media. Her honesty about fear and the visible joy in the final gallery create a narrative of resilience that many found inspiring.
The Mexico shoot showcased a range of looks — crochet bikinis, summer dresses and styling by designers like Johanna Ortiz and Sommer Swim — all photographed against coastal backdrops that underscore the connection she felt to nature on set.
Share and reaction
The cover and accompanying images were widely shared on social platforms. For readers who want to view the original story or share the piece, Sports Illustrated provided social links for Facebook, Twitter and Reddit.
Looking ahead to 2026
As readers set goals for the new year, Hayek-Pinault’s message is simple: face your fears, embrace your evolution, and celebrate the body and life you have now. Her SI Swimsuit feature stands as a reminder that confidence can be learned — and sometimes, it comes from stepping into the moment and claiming it.
Image Referance: https://swimsuit.si.com/swimnews/salma-hayek-pinaults-confidence-on-si-swimsuit-set-is-the-energy-were-bringing-into-2026