Besties

Salma Hayek and Angelina Jolie on their unbreakable bond: 'You've made me smile'


The two have collaborated on numerous films together


Salma Hayek and Angelina Jolie on their unbreakable bond: 'You've made me smile'
Maria LoretoSenior Writer
SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 9:09 PM EDT

Salma Hayek and Angelina Jolie have developed one of our favorite friendships. The actresses have collaborated numerous times over their careers, as actresses, but also as director and actor. In a new interview with The Cut, Jolie interviewed Hayek about her future, which includes directing her first film, "Arena," which she also wrote. The two also opened up about their friendship.

Salma Hayek Pinault attends the Kering Foundation's Fifth Annual Caring For Women Dinner at The Pool© GC Images
Salma Hayek Pinault attends the Kering Foundation's Fifth Annual Caring For Women Dinner at The Pool

In the midst of their talk, Hayek opened up about her new life in Paris as an empty nester. "I almost convinced you to move to Paris for a minute. You considered. I’m like, 'Come on, girl, you can’t leave me alone there.' You want somewhere more wild," she said.

Jolie agreed and added a touching statement. "We’ve had some fun. I needed to have some fun. You met me in a dark time in my life, and you’ve made me smile," he said.

US actress and director Angelina Jolie poses with the "Stella della Mole" award after the photocall of the movie "Without Blood" © AFP via Getty Images
US actress and director Angelina Jolie poses with the "Stella della Mole" award after the photocall of the movie "Without Blood"

The two also opened up about their dynamic on the set of "Without Blood," which Jolie directed and Hayek starred in. They shot in Veracruz, Hayek's hometown, making for an emotional experience for both. 

"Sometimes as an actor, you think, I need to torture myself to do the job better. I felt that because I was so supported, I didn’t need to torture myself for real," said Hayek. 

"I did feel at times I was torturing my friend, but I loved the experience," said Jolie.

Salma Hayek and Angelina Jolie's genuine friendship after Brad Pitt divorce: 'A friend where you can laugh and cry'© Michael Buckner/GG2025
Salma Hayek and Angelina Jolie's genuine friendship after Brad Pitt divorce: 'A friend where you can laugh and cry'

Hayek has a proposal for Angie's next phase of her career

While Jolie was the one conducting the interview, Hayek couldn't resist adding some questions of her own. "What about you, Angie? I’m not supposed to be asking the questions. I know what you’re good at and what I’d love to see you in. You’re really funny." 

"Aw," said Jolie with a laugh. 

"We laugh a lot. You have a wicked, dry sense of humor," said Hayek. "You can be very clever and hilarious. But always in an elegant way. That’s what I would like to see you do."

When it comes to her future, Hayek has her vision clear. "I also want to make sure I strengthen my community. I’m quite excited about my 60s, though," she said.

Salma Hayek, Chloe Zhao and Angelina Jolie attend the "Eternals" UK Premiere at BFI IMAX Waterloo on October 27, 2021© Mike Marsland/WireImage
Salma Hayek, Chloe Zhao and Angelina Jolie attend the "Eternals" UK Premiere at BFI IMAX Waterloo on October 27, 2021