Salma Hayek, one of Mexico’s most influential actors, has named “Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet” as the movie she treasures most, revealing a deeply personal connection to the project that stands apart from her diverse film career. The celebrated actress shared her thoughts in a recent Harper’s Bazaar interview, explaining why this particular film, which she both starred in and produced, remains closest to her heart. Salma Hayek favorite movie Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet featured heavily in her reflections.
A Journey from Soap Operas to Global Stardom
Born in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Salma Hayek began her career in Mexican telenovelas before ascending to international prominence. Her transformative performance as Frida Kahlo in the 2002 biopic “Frida” earned her an Academy Award nomination, making her the first Mexican actress to achieve this recognition in the Best Actress category. Since then, she has worked with acclaimed directors like Ridley Scott (notably in “House of Gucci”) and Oliver Stone, as well as lending her voice to animated films such as the “Puss in Boots” series and participating in major blockbusters, including Marvel’s “Eternals.”
Hayek’s Unexpected Favorite: Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet
While Hayek has been involved in a wide spectrum of movies, she singled out one film that stands above the rest for personal reasons. During the Harper’s Bazaar interview, when asked if there was a film she could watch repeatedly, Hayek chose “Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet,” a 2014 animated feature.
“I’m not one of those people who watch the same films over and over, but one I’ve seen countless times is Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet,”
—Salma Hayek, Actress and Producer.
She emphasized her active role during the making of the film.
“I was very hands-on in post-production. And I don’t normally like to watch my own movies, I promise you! Each time I see it, I’m moved by something different, much like every time I reread Kahlil Gibran’s book, which was the inspiration.”
—Salma Hayek, Actress and Producer.
The Making and Legacy of The Prophet
Directed by Roger Allers, famed for his work on “The Lion King,” “Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet” features the voices of Liam Neeson, John Krasinski, and Quvenzhané Wallis. Hayek voices the character of a housekeeper who, along with her mute daughter, joins the poet Mustafa (voiced by Neeson) as he attempts to escape the Ottoman Empire’s grip in Lebanon while seeking to inspire hope through his words. The film’s storyline draws heavily from the book’s central ideas about spiritual and social unity.
The source material—Kahlil Gibran’s 1923 book—has maintained enduring popularity, never falling out of print since its initial publication. Gibran, born in Ottoman-controlled Lebanon before immigrating to the United States, wrote “The Prophet” as a collection of philosophical essays disguised as poetic fables delivered by a character named Mustafa. The book has been translated into numerous languages, inspired adaptations across a variety of mediums, and found endorsement from figures like Marilyn Monroe and, naturally, Salma Hayek herself.
The Personal Importance of The Prophet for Hayek
The selection of “Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet” as her favorite is especially meaningful given Hayek’s substantial selection of notable films. Her decision underscores the emotional resonance she feels for the project, which allowed her to introduce a cherished work to new audiences and play an essential role in its reinterpretation. By championing this adaptation, Hayek not only honored a literary classic but also fulfilled a personal mission of sharing the message of unity and hope that first inspired her.
A Lasting Impact on Global Audiences
Salma Hayek’s ongoing enthusiasm for “Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet” highlights the power of storytelling to transcend cultural and generational boundaries. The film remains a testament to her ability to blend artistic vision with personal passion, and its enduring relevance reflects the continued resonance of Gibran’s message around the world. As both actor and producer, Hayek’s deep bond with the project ensures that it will continue to reach and touch viewers, much as the original book has done for nearly a century.
