Salma Hayek thinks Hollywood is finally embracing Latino stars.

The 43-year-old actress - who was born and raised in Mexico - believes the film industry is quickly beginning to include stars from a Latin background in its plans, and believes Jennifer Lopez is to thank for it.

She said: "Hollywood has definitely grown, in embracing the inclusion of Latinos in the world because, for some time, we didn't exist. We were not part of any stories.

"There are 40 million of us in the US. It was weird. I was very privileged to be part of a small generation of people that broke through that door first, but I didn't do it by myself. Jennifer Lopez was also part of it. Ricky Martin was a huge part of it. There was a group of people and great timing."

The screen beauty also admits she is "excited" to voice the role of Kitty in 'Shrek' spin-off movie 'Puss in Boots' because her daughter Valentina, two, will enjoy it.

She said: "Kitty is amazing. And I'm so excited because my daughter will get to see me in an animated movie."

Discussing the tone of the movie, she said: "The character is obviously the same character, but it's got its own personality. It's very clever and funny. I thought maybe it would be more like 'Shrek', but what I loved about it is that it has its own personality and style. It's great!"