Everything you need to know about the new Bond girl...
The A-list were out in force last night for one of the biggest premieres of the year, and amongst the leading ladies to walk the Spectre red carpet there was one we couldn’t take our eyes off: the lastest Bond love interest, Italian actress Monica Bellucci - who totally stole the show, might we add.
Stepping out in a forest green, velvet gown by Ralph & Russo, Bellucci - who it is well-documented is the the oldest actress to ever be cast as Bond girl - well and truly silenced her critics. But who is this new Bond girl?
Well, ahead of your rushing to the cinema to see her steal Bond's heart this week - here's your need-to-know on the one, the only Monica Bellucci...
She's had an impressive modelling career
Having started modelling at just 13, Bellucci has also carved out a career outside of the world of cinema that has included prestigious contracts with - among others - the likes of Dior. Plus, who can forget her stunning return to the world of high fashion modelling when she appeared in 'The Italian Family' campaign for Dolce & Gabbana's SS12 ad campaign looking nothing short of a stone.cold.fox.
She's an Italian cinema veteran
While she only made it it big in Hollywood relatively recently, Bellucci has long been a star of European cinema. Some of her best performances include Malena, The Apartment (for which she was nominated for a César award), and Irreversible.
She stands up for what she believes
While pregnant in 2004 she posed nude in Italian Vanity Fair to protest against the laws in her native Italy that prevent against the use of donor sperm. Speaking out about the issue at the time, she said: "Women are going abroad but only if they can afford it. It's a political problem or rather an exploitation of religion by politics."
She's fluent in three languages, doncha know?
She speaks Italian, English and French fluently. NBD.
She originally trained as a lawyer
Bellucci was initally set on a career in law but ended up falling into the world modelling of when she needed cash to pay her tutition fees. The modelling was going so well that she quit law school, moved to Milan and the rest is history.
But she's not news to Hollywood, either
Her Hollywood film career has seen her appear in The Matrix Trilogy, The Passion Of The Christ and now, Spectre. But Bellucci isn't completely abandoning her European cinema routes though. Up next for the actress is Serbian film, On The Milky Road, due for release in 2016.
She knows a thing or two about red carpet dresssing
Not to point out the obvious - but we totally will - Bellucci has pulled many an amazing outfit out the bag over the years. From sleek trousers suits to chic monochrome ensembles, Monica's a fashion heart-stopper. And who could forget the incredible red creation from Dolce & Gabanna that she wore for the 2014 Met Ball? (Answer: Not. Us.)
Talented, intelligent, and of course, utterly beautiful - that draws our brief ode to Monica Bellucci to a close.
With love,
Your biggest fan, Marie Claire