Penelope Cruz

About

Penelope Cruz is a renowned Spanish actress and model, born on April 28, 1974, in Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain. She gained recognition in the 1990s with roles in films such as "Jamón Jamón," and "Belle époque." Her talent eventually attracted Hollywood, leading her to star in popular films including "Vanilla Sky," "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," and "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides." Notably, her performance in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" won her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2009, making her the first Spanish actress to receive the honor. Cruz is recognized for her multiple collaborations with acclaimed Spanish filmmaker, Pedro Almodóvar, and her wide-ranging role portrayals.

Associated With

Penelope Cruz is a renowned Spanish actress who has established notable associations in the entertainment industry around the world. Cruz has had significant professional collaborations with acclaimed directors like Pedro Almodovar and Woody Allen, appearing in several of their movies such as "Volver," "Broken Embraces," and "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," the latter of which she won an Academy Award. Besides acting, Cruz began a producing partnership with her sister Monica Cruz, creating a clothing line for Mango and working on a lingerie line called L'Agent for Agent Provocateur. As for her personal life, she has been married to actor Javier Bardem since 2010, with whom she has co-starred in numerous films, and boasts friendships with fellow actors including Salma Hayek. Cruz also has a history of dating actors such as Tom Cruise and Matthew McConaughey.

Career Highlights

• 1989: Penelope Cruz made her acting debut in a music video, "La fuerza del destino" for the Spanish pop group Mecano.
• 1992: Penelope Cruz gained recognition for her lead role in the film "Jamón, Jamón" which was Spain's official Oscar entry for best foreign language film.
• 1997: She starred in the critically acclaimed films "Open Your Eyes" and "Live Flesh."
• 1998: Cruz made her first Hollywood appearance in the film "The Hi-Lo Country."
• 2000: Cruz received her first BAFTA nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role for "All the Pretty Horses."
• 2001: She garnered massive global recognition for her role in the film "Vanilla Sky," which also earned her a Goya nomination.
• 2006: She received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role in the film "Volver".
• 2008: She won her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona."
• 2010: Cruz received another Academy Award nomination for her work in the musical "Nine."
• 2018: Cruz received her first Emmy nomination for her role in "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story."
• 2021: She received her fourth Academy Award nomination for her role in "Parallel Mothers."

Notable Awards

• Penelope Cruz has won several notable awards throughout her acting career. These include:
• Academy Award: She won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" in 2009.
• BAFTA Award: She won the Best Actress in a Supporting Role for "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" in 2009.
• Goya Awards: She won the Best Actress award for her role in "La niña de tus ojos" in 1999 and for "Volver" in 2006.
• Cannes Film Festival: She won the Best Actress award for her role in "Volver" in 2006.
• Spanish Actors Union: She has won several awards including Lead Performance, Female for "La niña de tus ojos" and "Volver", and Supporting Performance, Female for "Alegre ma non troppo".
• European Film Awards: She won the Best Actress award for her role in "Volver" and "European Achievement in World Cinema" in 2018.

FAQs

What Is the Most Popular Penelope Cruz Movie/TV Show?

Penelope Cruz is a renowned Spanish actress who has starred in numerous acclaimed films and TV shows. Among her most popular works, the film "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" stands out. Released in 2008 and directed by Woody Allen, it boasts a strong cast that includes Scarlett Johansson and Javier Bardem. Cruz's portrayal of Maria Elena, a passionate and emotionally volatile artist, won her much acclaim including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. The film's combination of romantic entanglements and picturesque Spanish settings was well-received, making it a standout in Cruz's distinguished career.

How Did Penelope Cruz Get Famous?

Penelope Cruz gained fame primarily through her acting career. Born in Madrid, Spain, Cruz developed a passion for acting early and was later discovered by Spanish film director Pedro Almodovar. Her collaboration with Almodovar in multiple films, such as "Live Flesh" and "All About My Mother", helped her achieve recognition in the Spanish cinema industry. However, her breakthrough in Hollywood came with her role in the film "Vanilla Sky", opposite Tom Cruise. Her performance in "Volver" garnered her an Academy Award nomination, and she went on to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona". Cruz's talent and cinematic range propelled her to international stardom, solidifying her fame.