How Did Anthony Quinn Influence American Film

In 1952, Anthony Quinn did the most unthinkable at the time in American history. He was the first Mexican immigrant to win an Oscar for best-supporting actor, and later won another Oscar for the same category in 1956. At this point of history, no Mexican immigrant has ever won an Oscar in the same category twice. Anthony Quinn may be the first Mexican immigrant to win an Oscar for best supporting actor, but he certainly will not be the last Mexican immigrant to make an outstanding achievement in American film. Even though there are dozens of Mexicans like Anthony Quinn who have made an impact in American film, their road to success has not been easy. It all started in the early 1900s when close to 1 million Mexicans migrated to the USA to

Salma Hayek is a prime example of Mexican immigrant achievements in American film. Salma Hayek was born in 1966 in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico. She lived in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico for 12 years, but eventually moved to America to attend school. She attended a University in Mexico City where she dropped out to pursue a career in acting. Shortly later, she became a soap opera star in Mexico. However, Hayek did not stop there, she moved back to America determined to become a Hollywood actress and learn English. She started working in small gigs but later worked her way up to larger roles. She starred and appeared in American films such as Follow Me Home, The Facility, Spy Kids, Muppets Most Wanted, Puss in Boats, Grown Ups, and many more. One of her most famous works is the film, Frida, which she helped produce and starred as the main character. The film was nominated for 6 Academy Awards. She is one out of many Mexican immigrants who have impacted the American film industry positively by inspiring other people of Mexican descent in American film culture. Hayek is an excellent example of Mexican immigrants achievement in America, but she did face many challenges in her acting career. She was told many times in America that she could not get a lead role because of her accent and race. In her interview with Oprah, she explains that the people who