History of Penélope Cruz in Timeline
Penélope Cruz Sánchez is a highly acclaimed Spanish actress known for her work in both Spanish and English-language films. Her illustrious career has garnered numerous awards, including an Academy Award and a BAFTA Award, alongside nominations for four Golden Globe Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award.
1934: Publication of "Murder on the Orient Express"
Agatha Christie's novel "Murder on the Orient Express", on which the 2017 film is based, was published in 1934.
April 1974: Early Life and Childhood
Penélope Cruz was born in April 1974 and raised in Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain. She had a happy childhood and discovered her passion for acting at a young age, often pretending to be different characters while playing with friends.
April 1974: Birth of Penélope Cruz
Penélope Cruz was born in April 1974 in Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain.
1977: Roman Polanski's Sexual Abuse Charges
The petition Penélope Cruz signed in 2009 pertained to Roman Polanski's arrest in relation to sexual abuse charges that were filed in 1977.
1989: Beginnings in Entertainment
At 15, Penélope Cruz's talent was evident when she won an audition at a talent agency, surpassing over 300 other girls. Her agent, Katrina Bayonas, recognized her innate "magic" and "presence" during the audition. This marked the beginning of her journey into the entertainment industry.
1989: Debut with Mecano's Music Video
Penélope Cruz's acting debut took place in 1989 when she starred in the music video for "La Fuerza del Destino" by the Spanish pop group Mecano. This marked her first appearance on screen.
1990: Hosting "La Quinta Marcha"
Between 1990 and 1991, Penélope Cruz ventured into television hosting with "La Quinta Marcha," a Telecinco talk show aimed at a teenage audience.
1990: Inspiration from Almodóvar's Film
Penélope Cruz's interest in acting intensified after watching Pedro Almodóvar's film "Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!" in 1990. She was so inspired that she started attending casting calls, facing rejections initially due to her young age.
1991: Feature Film Debut and Breakthrough Role
Penélope Cruz made her feature film debut in 1991 with "Jamón, jamón," a comedy-drama where she played Silvia, a young pregnant woman facing disapproval from her partner's mother. The role garnered attention for its nudity and established Cruz as a rising star.
1992: Breakthrough Role in "Jamón jamón"
Penélope Cruz's breakout role as Silvia in "Jamón jamón" in 1992 marked her first collaboration with Javier Bardem, who would later become her husband.
1993: Move to New York and Furthering Education
At 20, Penélope Cruz made a significant decision to move to New York City. She spent two years there, between 1993 and 1996, immersing herself in ballet and English language studies. This move demonstrated her dedication to personal and professional growth.
1997: Venturing into Different Genres
In 1997, Penélope Cruz showcased her versatility by taking on roles in various genres. She appeared in the Spanish comedy "Love Can Seriously Damage Your Health," Pedro Almodóvar's "Live Flesh," and the Danish film "Et hjørne af paradis (A Corner of Paradise)." This year highlighted her range and willingness to explore diverse characters.
1998: Cruz's Breakout Role in 'The Girl of Your Dreams'
Also in 1998, Penélope Cruz starred in the Spanish period drama 'The Girl of Your Dreams,' where she played Macarena Granada. Her performance was highly praised, earning her a Goya Award and a Spanish Actors' Union Award, and a nomination for a European Film Award. This role was considered her largest to date.
1998: Release of "The Girl of Your Dreams"
Fernando Trueba's drama "The Girl of Your Dreams", to which "The Queen of Spain" is a sequel, was released in 1998.
1998: Penélope Cruz's First American Film Appearance
In 1998, Penélope Cruz appeared in her first American film, 'The Hi-Lo Country,' directed by Stephen Frears. She played the role of Billy Crudup's Mexican girlfriend. Despite facing difficulties in understanding English during filming, Cruz's performance was noted for her appeal. The film, however, did not achieve commercial success. Cruz's role earned her a nomination for an ALMA Award for Best Actress.
1999: Reflecting on "Jamón, jamón"
In 1999, Penélope Cruz reflected on her debut role in "Jamón, jamón," acknowledging that while she wasn't entirely prepared for the nudity, she had no regrets as it launched her career. She expressed a desire to showcase her versatility and take on different types of roles.
1999: Collaboration with Almodóvar in 'All About My Mother'
In 1999, Penélope Cruz worked again with director Pedro Almodóvar in 'All About My Mother,' where she played Sister María Rosa Sanz, a pregnant nun with AIDS. The film was well-received by critics and grossed over $67 million worldwide, performing better internationally than domestically.
2000: Lead Role in 'Woman on Top'
In 2000, Penélope Cruz starred in 'Woman on Top' as Isabelle, a world-class chef suffering from motion sickness. This was her first American lead role, and her performance received positive reviews for her charm and screen presence.
2001: Multiple Film Appearances
In 2001, Penélope Cruz appeared in several films including 'Don't Tempt Me,' 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin,' and 'Blow.' Despite receiving negative reviews for 'Don't Tempt Me,' her role in 'Blow' was praised, while 'Captain Corelli's Mandolin' performed decently at the box office.
2001: Major Roles in 'Vanilla Sky' and 'Blow'
In 2001, Penélope Cruz starred in 'Vanilla Sky' and 'Blow.' In 'Vanilla Sky,' she played Sofia Serrano, the love interest of Tom Cruise's character, and the film grossed $200 million worldwide. She also played Mirtha Jung in 'Blow,' alongside Johnny Depp. Both films received mixed reviews, but Cruz's performances were noted for their chemistry and talent.
2001: Appearance in "Vanilla Sky"
Penélope Cruz and Tom Cruise starred together in the film "Vanilla Sky" in 2001.
2001: Ralph Lauren Contract
Penélope Cruz secured a contract with Ralph Lauren in 2001.
2001: Release of "Zoolander"
The original "Zoolander" film, of which "Zoolander 2" is a sequel, was released in 2001.
September 2002: Critical Acclaim for "Open Your Eyes"
Despite receiving mixed reviews for her American films in September 2002, Penélope Cruz earned praise for her performance in the Spanish sci-fi drama "Open Your Eyes" (1997). Critics like Kevin N. Laforest of the Montreal Film Journal commended her charm, emotional depth, and believability in the role of Sofia.
2002: Role in 'Waking Up in Reno'
In 2002, Penélope Cruz had a minor role in 'Waking Up in Reno,' which received negative reviews and was a box office failure.
June 2003: Defamation Lawsuit Settlement with New Idea Magazine
Penélope Cruz reached a settlement in her defamation case against Australian magazine New Idea in June 2003. The magazine had published an article about her relationship with Tom Cruise, which led to an apology, payment of Cruz's legal fees, and a donation to her chosen charity.
2003: Supporting Role in 'Gothika'
In 2003, Penélope Cruz played Chloe Sava, a patient at a mental hospital, in the horror film 'Gothika.' Her performance added a malevolent edge to her character's madness. She also appeared in 'Fanfan la Tulipe,' although her performance was criticized.
January 2004: End of Relationship with Tom Cruise
Penélope Cruz's three-year relationship with Tom Cruise ended in January 2004.
2004: Roles in 'Noel' and 'Head in the Clouds'
In 2004, Penélope Cruz appeared in 'Noel' and 'Head in the Clouds.' Despite mixed reviews, her performances were noted, especially in 'Don't Move,' for which she learned Italian and won the David di Donatello and European Film Award for Best Actress.
2005: Leading Role in 'Sahara'
In 2005, Penélope Cruz played Dr. Eva Rojas in the action-adventure 'Sahara,' earning $1.6 million for her role. Despite grossing $110 million worldwide, the film was a financial flop. Cruz also appeared in 'Chromophobia' and 'Don't Move,' showcasing her acting range.
2005: Filming of "Manolete" takes place
Penélope Cruz filmed "Manolete" in 2005, although the movie was not released until 2011.
2006: Penélope Cruz stars in "Bandidas" and "Volver"
In 2006, Penélope Cruz starred alongside Salma Hayek in the Western comedy "Bandidas" and received critical acclaim for her performance as Raimunda in Pedro Almodóvar's "Volver."
2006: L'Oréal Spokesmodel
Penélope Cruz became a spokesmodel for French cosmetics company L'Oréal in 2006, promoting products like Natural Match hair dye and mascara.
2006: Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress
Penélope Cruz's performance in "Volver" earned her the prestigious Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2006.
2007: Mango Collection Inspired by Brigitte Bardot
Penélope Cruz and her sister launched their second collection for Mango in 2007, drawing inspiration from Brigitte Bardot and summers in St Tropez.
2007: Ranked in Maxim's "Hot 100" and Empire's Sexiest Movie Stars
Penélope Cruz was featured in Maxim's "Hot 100" list at No. 58 and recognized as one of the 100 Sexiest Movie Stars by Empire magazine in 2007.
2007: Relationship with Javier Bardem
Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem's romantic relationship began in 2007.
2007: Recognition for 'Sahara' as a Box-Office Flop
In 2007, 'Sahara' was recognized by Moviefone as one of the 'Biggest Box-Office Turkeys of All Time,' highlighting its significant financial loss despite Penélope Cruz's involvement.
2007: Penélope Cruz stars in "Manolete" and "The Good Night"
In 2007, Penélope Cruz took on the lead female role in the biopic "Manolete" and played dual roles in the film "The Good Night."
2008: Penélope Cruz stars in "Elegy" and "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"
In 2008, Penélope Cruz starred in "Elegy" alongside Ben Kingsley and garnered significant praise for her role as María Elena in Woody Allen's "Vicky Cristina Barcelona."
2008: Starring in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"
Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem starred together in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" in 2008.
2008: Ranked on Askmen.com's Most Desirable Women
Penélope Cruz was ranked No. 26 on Askmen.com's Most Desirable Women list in 2008.
2008: "Sex and the City" sequel announced
The sequel to the 2008 film "Sex and the City" was announced, and Penélope Cruz was eventually cast in a cameo role.
2009: Penélope Cruz lends voice to "G-Force" and stars in "Broken Embraces" and "Nine"
In 2009, Penélope Cruz voiced Juarez in the animated film "G-Force," portrayed Lena in "Broken Embraces," and took on the role of Carla Albanese in the musical adaptation "Nine."
2009: Support for Roman Polanski
Penélope Cruz signed a petition in 2009 showing her support for director Roman Polanski. The petition argued that his detention, related to 1977 sexual abuse charges, while traveling to a film festival, threatened the open and safe platform that festivals provide for showcasing films.
2009: Ranked on Askmen.com's Most Desirable Women
Penélope Cruz's popularity continued as she secured the No. 25 spot on Askmen.com's Most Desirable Women list in 2009.
April 2010: Lancôme's Trésor Fragrance Ambassador
In April 2010, Penélope Cruz replaced Kate Winslet as the face and ambassador of Lancôme's Trésor fragrance, joining Julia Roberts and Winslet as a superstar spokesmodel for the brand.
July 2010: Marriage to Javier Bardem
Penélope Cruz married Spanish actor Javier Bardem in July 2010. The private ceremony was held at a friend's residence in the Bahamas.
December 2010: Spanish Vogue Cover and Body Shape Recognition
In December 2010, a pregnant Penélope Cruz graced the cover of Spanish Vogue, requesting her pregnancy not be emphasized. The Telegraph also highlighted her as having the most sought-after body shape based on a survey by Hollywood plastic surgeons.
December 2010: Support for the Battle Against AIDS
On December 1, 2010, a pregnant Penélope Cruz showed her support for the fight against AIDS by participating in (RED)'s campaign 'An AIDS Free Generation is Due in 2015'. She helped light up the Empire State Building in red for World AIDS Day.
2010: Penélope Cruz makes cameo appearance in "Sex and the City 2" and stars in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides"
In 2010, Penélope Cruz had a cameo role in "Sex and the City 2" and starred as Angelica in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" alongside Johnny Depp.
2010: Marriage to Javier Bardem
In 2010, Penélope Cruz married Spanish actor Javier Bardem.
January 2011: Birth of Son, Leo Encinas Cruz
Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem welcomed their son, Leo Encinas Cruz, in January 2011 in Los Angeles.
April 2011: Penélope Cruz receives star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
On April 1, 2011, Penélope Cruz became the first Spanish actress to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
June 2011: "Manolete" released as "A Matador's Mistress"
In June 2011, the film "Manolete," in which Cruz starred as Antoñita "Lupe" Sino, was released on demand under the title "A Matador's Mistress" after being shelved since 2007.
2011: The Telegraph's Most Sought-After Body Shape
In 2011, The Telegraph recognized Penélope Cruz as having the most sought-after body shape, according to a survey of Hollywood plastic surgeons.
2012: Penélope Cruz stars in Nintendo commercial and films "To Rome with Love" and "Twice Born"
In 2012, Penélope Cruz starred in her first Nintendo commercial, played a street-smart prostitute in Woody Allen's "To Rome with Love," and reunited with director Sergio Castellitto for the war film "Twice Born."
2012: PETA's Anti-Fur Campaign Support
Penélope Cruz showed her support for PETA's anti-fur campaign by posing for ads in 2012.
July 2013: Birth of Daughter, Luna Encinas Cruz
Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem's daughter, Luna Encinas Cruz, was born in July 2013 in Madrid.
2013: Appearance in "The Counselor" and "I'm So Excited"
In 2013, Penélope Cruz starred in Ridley Scott's crime thriller "The Counselor" alongside Michael Fassbender, Cameron Diaz, Brad Pitt, and her husband, Javier Bardem. She played Laura, the girlfriend of Fassbender's character. The same year, she also made a cameo appearance with Antonio Banderas in Pedro Almodóvar's comedy "I'm So Excited".
2014: Esquire's Sexiest Woman Alive
Penélope Cruz earned the title of Sexiest Woman Alive by Esquire in 2014.
2015: (RED)'s Campaign Goal
(RED), a campaign supported by Penélope Cruz in 2010, aimed to eradicate the transmission of the HIV virus from pregnant mothers to their babies by 2015.
2015: Lead Role in "Ma Ma"
Penélope Cruz co-produced and starred in Julio Medem's Spanish drama "Ma Ma" in 2015. She played Magda, a mother diagnosed with breast cancer. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and earned Cruz her eighth Goya Award nomination.
2015: Passing of Penélope Cruz's Father
Penélope Cruz's father, Eduardo Cruz, passed away in 2015 at the age of 62 due to a heart attack.
2016: Roles in "Zoolander 2", "Grimsby", and "The Queen of Spain"
Penélope Cruz appeared in three films in 2016: "Zoolander 2", "Grimsby", and "The Queen of Spain". In "Zoolander 2", she played a secret Interpol agent. In "Grimsby", she played a philanthropist alongside Sacha Baron Cohen. In "The Queen of Spain", she reprised her role from the 1998 film "The Girl of Your Dreams".
2017: "Loving Pablo" and "Murder on the Orient Express"
In 2017, Penélope Cruz starred alongside her husband Javier Bardem in "Loving Pablo", based on Virginia Vallejo's memoir. She also had a supporting role in Kenneth Branagh's adaptation of Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express".
2018: PETA's Anti-Fur Campaign Support
Penélope Cruz continued her support for PETA's anti-fur campaign in 2018 by again appearing in their advertisements.
2018: Television Debut in "American Crime Story" and Role in "Everybody Knows"
Penélope Cruz made her television debut as Donatella Versace in "The Assassination of Gianni Versace", the second season of "American Crime Story", in 2018. She also starred with Javier Bardem in Asghar Farhadi's "Everybody Knows", which opened the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
2018: Co-starring in "Everybody Knows"
Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem worked together again in 2018, co-starring in the film "Everybody Knows."
2018: Becoming a Chanel Ambassador
Penélope Cruz became a house ambassador for Chanel in 2018, further solidifying her status as a fashion icon.
2018: Chanel Brand Ambassadorship
Penélope Cruz became a brand ambassador for Chanel in 2018.
2021: "Official Competition", "Parallel Mothers", and Museum of Modern Art Tribute
Penélope Cruz starred in "Official Competition" and "Parallel Mothers" in 2021. "Parallel Mothers", directed by Pedro Almodóvar, earned Cruz the Volpi Cup for Best Actress and her second Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She was also honored at the Museum of Modern Art in New York for her film career.
2021: Venice International Film Festival's Volpi Cup for Best Actress
Penélope Cruz was honored with the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice International Film Festival in 2021 for her role in "Parallel Mothers."
January 7, 2022: Release of "The 355"
The spy film "The 355", starring Penélope Cruz, Jessica Chastain, Lupita Nyong'o, Diane Kruger, and Fan Bingbing, was released by Universal Pictures on January 7, 2022.
May 2023: Emirates Airline Brand Ambassador
Penélope Cruz was chosen as the brand ambassador for Emirates Airline in May 2023.
2023: Brand Ambassadorship for Emirates and Geox
Penélope Cruz became a brand ambassador for Emirates and Geox in 2023.