Penélope Cruz (born 28 April 1974 in Alcobendas, Spain) is a celebrated Spanish actress who holds the distinction of being the only Spanish performer to win an Academy Award and receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. After studying classical ballet for nine years, she made her film debut in Jamón Jamón (1992) and became a frequent muse of director Pedro Almodóvar, starring in acclaimed films like All About My Mother (1999), Volver (2006), and Parallel Mothers (2021). She won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008) and earned additional nominations for Volver, Nine (2009), and Parallel Mothers, along with a BAFTA, three Goya Awards, and a David di Donatello. Her diverse filmography spans blockbusters like Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) and Ferrari (2023), as well as an Emmy-nominated portrayal of Donatella Versace in The Assassination of Gianni Versace (2018). Beyond acting, she has modeled for brands like Mango and L'Oréal, served as a Chanel ambassador since 2018, and done humanitarian work, including volunteering with Mother Teresa in India and donating her salary from The Hi-Lo Country to the nun's mission.