Penélope Cruz Sánchez, born on April 28, 1974, is a renowned Spanish actress. She has made a name for herself in various film genres, particularly in Spanish-language films, and has received numerous awards and nominations for her exceptional performances. These accolades include an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, a Primetime Emmy Award nomination, four Golden Globe Award nominations, and five Screen Actors Guild Award nominations.
Cruz embarked on her acting career at a young age, signing with an agent at 15. She made her television debut at 16 and her first appearance in a feature film the following year in Jamón Jamón (1992). Her notable roles include Belle Époque (1992), Open Your Eyes (1997), Don Juan (1998), The Hi-Lo Country (1999), The Girl of Your Dreams (2000), and Woman on Top (2000). She is particularly recognized for her collaborations with acclaimed Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar in films such as Live Flesh (1997), All About My Mother (1999), Volver (2006), Broken Embraces (2009), I’m So Excited! (2013), Pain and Glory (2019), and Parallel Mothers (2021). Additionally, she has worked with director Woody Allen in Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008) and To Rome with Love (2012).
Cruz’s remarkable performance in the romantic comedy-drama Vicky Cristina Barcelona earned her the prestigious Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She has also received Oscar nominations for her roles in Volver (2006), Nine (2009), and Parallel Mothers (2021). Her filmography boasts other notable works, including All the Pretty Horses (2000), Vanilla Sky (2001), Blow (2001), Elegy (2008), Sahara (2005), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011), The Counselor (2013), Murder on the Orient Express (2017), Everybody Knows (2018), and Official Competition (2022). In addition, her portrayal of Donatella Versace in the FX series The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (2018) earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie.
Since 2010, Cruz has been married to Spanish actor Javier Bardem. She has also made a mark in the fashion industry, working as a model for Mango, Ralph Lauren, and L’Oréal. Alongside her younger sister Mónica Cruz, she has ventured into designing clothing for Mango. Cruz has been an esteemed ambassador for Chanel since 2018. Furthermore, she has actively engaged in charitable endeavors, volunteering in Uganda and India. During her visit to India, she spent a week assisting Mother Teresa and generously donated her salary from The Hi-Lo Country to support the late nun’s mission.
