Salma Hayek turned maximalist Victorian-chic into a red carpet power move

Salma Hayek isn't here to play it safe, and thank goodness for that. The 2025 Breakthrough Prize ceremony, aka the "Oscars of science," might've been about honoring the brightest minds in the world. Still, Salma had all eyes on her with a look that screamed Victorian glam meets high-fashion royalty. 

Salma Hayek walked the red carpet in a sheer black Yves Saint Laurent gown that was equal parts dramatic and dreamy. The dress featured long, puffed sleeves with a bishop silhouette and a flowy, floor-grazing skirt that gave it a Victorian vibe, minus the stuffiness. The keyhole neckline added just the right amount of flirt to balance the otherwise conservative look.

© WireImage

But let's be real: What made this outfit pop wasn't just the dress but the energy. Salma knows how to wear a look and not let the look wear her. Her confidence was a chef's kiss.

The Accessories: Gold, Bold, and Beautiful

Now, this is where the maximalism kicked in. Salma piled on statement jewelry. Think oversized cocktail rings, stacked gold bangles, a chunky wrist cuff, and a dramatic floral gold necklace that pulls the whole look together.

© WWD via Getty Images

The contrast between the gold and the deep black dress was perfection. It gave richness, drama, and full-on goddess vibes. She could've walked off the carpet and straight onto the set of a gothic fantasy film, and no one would've blinked.

© FilmMagic

The Beauty Look: Red Lips and Silver Streaks

If there was any doubt that Salma is aging on her own terms, let's put that to rest. Her long, voluminous waves proudly showcased silver strands, and they looked stunning.

Her glam was just as fierce. A bold red lip stole the show (and probably a few hearts), while her glowy skin and fluttery lashes kept the whole look soft and romantic. 

© FilmMagic

Salma's Message: Celebrate Brilliance in All Forms

Salma didn't just show up to slay; she came to support. On Instagram, she shared moments from the ceremony and opened up about sitting next to Dr. Huda Zoghbi, a former Breakthrough Prize winner and a powerhouse in neuroscience.

"A night celebrating the brilliant minds in science that are reshaping our future at the Break Through Prize awards, I was honored to participate and be seated next to #HudaZoghbi former recipient and Professor in the Departments of Pediatrics, Molecular and Human Genetics, Neurology and Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine and on top of that- a Lebanese woman, like me," Salma wrote.

Not only did she deliver a look that could shut down Fashion Week, but she also used her platform to uplift women in STEM. 

From the black-on-black Saint Laurent elegance to the stacks of gold jewelry and that empowering beauty moment with her silver strands, Salma Hayek brought her heritage, age, power, and unapologetic style to one of the brightest rooms in the world.