Penelope Cruz

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Penelope Cruz studied classical ballet for nine years in Spain before turning her hand to television. She first became a TV presenter before securing acting roles in Spanish films such as Jamón, Jamón.

Her international breakthrough role came in Vanilla Sky opposite Tom Cruise and in 2006 Penelope was nominated for an Academy Award for best actress in the acclaimed film Volver. She won best actress for the role at the Cannes Film Festival.

Penelope is heavily involved in human rights campaigns, presenting at Live Earth in July 2007 and even volunteering for two months in Uganda in 1997.

In early 2007, Penelope and her sister, Monica, were signed to produce a clothing range for Spanish fashion chain Mango.

In 2009, Penelope became the first Spanish female to win a Leading Actress Oscar for her role as the unhinged Maria Elena in Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

She is currently in a relationship with former co-star and fellow Spaniard, Javier Bardem.

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