is like our reggaeton—and took it to an-
other level so the sounds are for every-
one. She represents mi gente, el pueblo,
las masas, the dreamers, the hustlers.
And through her music, she’s opened
doors for others—not just to be an art-
ist, but to be what they want to be. She
gives hope to the ones that didn’t think
they could make it.
Behind her superhero-like facade
is a real, sensitive human being who
gives so much to people. I want people
to connect with the amazing human
being behind the great music. She’s got
enough talent to keep conquering the
world.Balvin is a Grammy-nominated musical
artistAna deArmas32 • SHINING
BRIGHTBY JAMIE LEE CURTISI met Ana de Armas on the fi rst
day of fi lming Knives Out. During
that fi rst scene, I looked into her
beautiful green eyes, which were
brimming with tears of grief as
her character mourned her friend
and employer. At that moment, I
remember thinking, Who is this?
Her talent was unmistakable.
I immediately wanted to try to
do anything I could to help this
young actor from Cuba on her
journey, though I quickly realized
she didn’t need it. Her gifts were
evident. During production,
she showed me a photo of her
screen test as Marilyn Monroe
for Blonde, and I couldn’t see Ana
anywhere. Just Marilyn in all her
fragile glory. Her performance in
Knives Out grounds the movie,
giving it a beating heart. We will
all get to remember the moment
we fi rst set eyes on her, and watch
in wonder and delight as she
ascends to the greatest heights
our industry offers, buoyed by
the depth of her soul and talent.
A megaestrella has arrived: Que
seas tú la estrella que brilla alto y
fuerte, Ana de Armas.Curtis is an actor and authorPHOTOGRAPH BY NOLWEN CIFUENTES
HENRY: KRISTINA VARAKSINA; ANITTA: REDUX; DE ARMAS: ILLUSTRATION BY ALEXIS FRANKLIN FOR TIME