Penélope Cruz and Scarlett Johansson's Heartwarming Oscars 2025 Reunion

 

At the 97th Academy Awards held on March 2, 2025, a touching moment unfolded on the red carpet as Penélope Cruz and Scarlett Johansson reunited. The two actresses, who previously starred together in the 2008 film Vicky Cristina Barcelona, shared a heartfelt embrace, delighting fans and rekindling memories of their on-screen chemistry.

A Shared History

Their reunion was particularly special, as it marked their first public appearance together in several years. Vicky Cristina Barcelona, directed by Woody Allen, was a significant project in both of their careers, earning Cruz an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. The film's exploration of complex relationships and emotions resonated with audiences, and the bond between Cruz and Johansson was evident both on and off the screen.

The Oscars 2025 Moment

During the Oscars ceremony, Cruz and Johansson were among the esteemed presenters, joining other luminaries such as Halle Berry, Elle Fanning, and Whoopi Goldberg. Their shared history added a layer of warmth to the event, and their reunion was a highlight for many attendees and viewers alike.

Looking Ahead

Fans of Cruz and Johansson have reason to be excited, as the two actresses are set to reunite once more in the upcoming romantic comedy Paris Paramount, directed by Nancy Meyers. The film, which also stars Owen Wilson and Michael Fassbender, promises to showcase the duo's dynamic chemistry once again. Set to be released on Netflix, Paris Paramount is highly anticipated by audiences eager to see Cruz and Johansson back together on screen.

The Oscars 2025 reunion between Penélope Cruz and Scarlett Johansson was a poignant reminder of the enduring connections forged in the world of cinema. Their shared history and upcoming collaboration in Paris Paramount ensure that their bond will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.

Penélope Cruz's Oscars 2025 Dress Took Over 250 Hours to Make!

 

At the 97th Academy Awards in March 2025, Penélope Cruz captivated audiences with her ethereal presence on the red carpet, donning a custom-made white silk chiffon gown by Chanel. This breathtaking ensemble, inspired by a Spring/Summer 1992 design, was a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of haute couture.

A Masterpiece in the Making

The gown featured a ruched bodice adorned with sparkling jewel buttons, a sheer floor-length cape attached to the straps, and a delicate peplum detail at the waist. According to Chanel, the creation of this dress required an impressive 254 hours of meticulous work by skilled artisans . Cruz, who has been a Chanel ambassador since 2018, expressed her admiration for the craftsmanship, recalling how her grandmother taught her to sew and crochet, which deepened her appreciation for the intricate processes involved in haute couture .

Complementing Elegance with Chanel High Jewelry

To complete her look, Cruz accessorized with Chanel High Jewelry pieces, including the Soleil 19 Aout brooch featuring a 22.10-carat yellow diamond, Soleil diamond earrings, a Comète Aubazine ring, and a round-cut diamond ring exceeding 5 carats. These dazzling pieces added a touch of radiance to her ensemble, enhancing her angelic appearance on the red carpet .

🎤 A Night to Remember

Beyond her stunning appearance, Cruz also graced the stage as a presenter at the Oscars, sharing the spotlight with other luminaries such as Halle Berry, Bowen Yang, and Scarlett Johansson. Her choice to wear a gown reminiscent of a 1992 Chanel design not only honored the brand's legacy but also showcased her timeless elegance and deep connection to fashion history .

Penélope Cruz's Oscars 2025 look was more than just a fashion statement; it was a celebration of craftsmanship, heritage, and the enduring allure of Chanel. Her gown, taking over 250 hours to create, stood as a testament to the dedication and artistry that define haute couture, leaving an indelible mark on the red carpet that night.

Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz: A Look at Their Iconic Cinematic Collaborations

 

In the world of cinema, few on-screen pairings carry the same magnetic chemistry, emotional depth, and real-life resonance as Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz. As two of Spain’s most acclaimed actors—and a real-life couple—their cinematic collaborations are marked by intensity, authenticity, and a uniquely European sensibility. Their shared filmography reflects not only the evolution of their careers but also the development of their off-screen relationship, from co-stars to life partners.

Here’s a closer look at the powerful collaborations that have shaped their legacy as one of film’s most captivating duos.

Jamón Jamón (1992)

Director: Bigas Luna

The film that started it all. A young Bardem and Cruz met on the set of this sensual and surreal Spanish drama, which blends satire with eroticism. Cruz, just 18 at the time, played Silvia, a factory worker pursued by Bardem’s character, Raúl. Their undeniable chemistry burned on screen and foreshadowed the magnetic performances they would deliver in the years to come. Although their romantic relationship didn’t begin until years later, Jamón Jamón laid the foundation for one of cinema’s most enduring pairings.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

Director: Woody Allen

This film not only reintroduced Bardem and Cruz as co-stars—it also brought Cruz an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. As the fiery and unpredictable María Elena, Cruz lit up the screen with Bardem (who played Juan Antonio), a passionate painter caught in a love triangle with two American tourists. The film crackled with wit and raw emotion, and their scenes together were both volatile and hypnotic. Off screen, this was also the time their relationship blossomed into marriage.

The Counselor (2013)

Director: Ridley Scott

In this stylish, philosophical crime thriller, Cruz and Bardem shared the screen again—this time as Laura and Reiner. While Cruz’s role was smaller compared to Bardem’s flamboyant drug kingpin, the film marked another chapter in their professional collaboration. The Counselor was a bold, moody departure from their previous films, featuring a high-concept script by Cormac McCarthy and an ensemble cast including Michael Fassbender and Cameron Diaz.

Loving Pablo (2017)

Director: Fernando León de Aranoa

This biographical crime drama told the story of drug lord Pablo Escobar (played by Bardem) and his tumultuous relationship with journalist Virginia Vallejo (Cruz). The real-life couple delivered haunting performances in this intense and often disturbing narrative. Both actors took risks emotionally and physically, navigating dark subject matter while maintaining emotional authenticity. The film was a psychological deep dive and marked one of their most complex collaborations.

Everybody Knows (2018)

Director: Asghar Farhadi

This Spanish-language psychological thriller brought them back to their roots, working with Iranian director Asghar Farhadi. Cruz plays Laura, a woman returning to her hometown in Spain, whose daughter is mysteriously kidnapped during a family wedding. Bardem portrays Paco, an old flame and family friend, who becomes entangled in the investigation. The film is a slow-burning mystery layered with secrets, family drama, and unresolved tensions. Their chemistry added weight to a story built on trust, betrayal, and long-held grievances.

Upcoming: Bunker

Director: Florian Zeller

Set to release in 2026, Bunker will see Bardem and Cruz reunite once again in a psychological thriller about a Spanish architect living in London whose marriage is tested when he’s hired to build a doomsday bunker for a tech billionaire. Directed by The Father’s Florian Zeller, the film promises to push both actors emotionally and psychologically. With a tailor-made script and an intense premise, Bunker may become one of their most anticipated projects to date.

Real Love, Real Artistry

What sets Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz apart as collaborators is the authenticity they bring to every project. They are more than co-stars — they are creative equals and life partners. Their deep trust in one another is palpable on screen, allowing them to dive into emotionally rich territory without fear.

Whether playing lovers, enemies, or conflicted former partners, Bardem and Cruz bring out the best in each other. They don’t just act — they react, respond, and evolve together in real time.

In a landscape full of superficial celebrity pairings, Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz’s partnership feels grounded, artistic, and enduring. Their collaborations reflect not just great storytelling, but a profound emotional resonance that only comes from two artists who truly know—and trust—each other.

With more projects likely on the horizon, fans of Spanish cinema and world-class acting have much to look forward to. Bardem and Cruz are proof that the most powerful art often comes from the most authentic relationships.

Javier Bardem & Penelope Cruz to Reunite On-Screen for New Thriller 'Bunker'

 

Spanish power couple Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz are set to reunite on screen in the upcoming psychological thriller Bunker, directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Florian Zeller. The film, currently in production, is generating significant buzz ahead of its anticipated 2026 release.

A Reunion of Spanish Cinema's Finest

Bunker marks the latest collaboration between Bardem and Cruz, who have previously shared the screen in films such as Jamón Jamón (1992), Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008), and Everybody Knows (2018) . Their on-screen chemistry has been widely praised, and their real-life relationship adds an authentic layer to their performances.

A Gripping Psychological Thriller

Written and directed by Florian Zeller, known for The Father and The Son, Bunker delves into the complexities of a marriage tested by moral dilemmas. The story follows a Spanish architect living in London who agrees to build a survivalist bunker for a tech billionaire. This project strains his 17-year marriage, leading to a deep exploration of trust, fear, and societal pressures.

Zeller crafted the script specifically with Bardem and Cruz in mind, tailoring the characters to their strengths. He expressed his excitement about working with the couple, stating, "I was deeply compelled to work with a real-life couple... who also happen to be one of the most gifted actors working today" .

Filming Locations and Production Details

Production for Bunker is underway in London and Madrid, with a release slated for 2026. The film is produced by Blue Morning Pictures and MOD Producciones, with FilmNation Entertainment handling international distribution . The choice of filming locations adds an international dimension to the story, enhancing its global appeal.

Anticipation Builds for a Powerful Performance

With Bardem and Cruz's proven acting prowess and Zeller's directorial expertise, Bunker is poised to be a standout film in 2026. The combination of a compelling narrative, strong performances, and a talented creative team has generated significant anticipation among audiences and critics alike.

Penélope Cruz and Meryl Streep’s Enduring Friendship: A Bond Built on Talent, Respect, and Admiration

 

In the glittering world of Hollywood, where friendships can be fleeting and competition fierce, the bond between Penélope Cruz and Meryl Streep stands out as something truly special. Their relationship isn’t just one of mutual admiration between two award-winning actresses — it’s a genuine friendship grounded in respect, warmth, and shared passion for their craft.

Over the years, Cruz has spoken candidly about the immense impact Streep has had on her, both personally and professionally. And while they’ve yet to appear together on screen, their off-camera connection tells a story worth celebrating.

Penélope’s Admiration: A Fangirl with an Oscar

Penélope Cruz has never hidden her deep admiration for Meryl Streep. She’s called her “my favorite actress” and “my number one hero” in multiple interviews. Despite being an Oscar winner herself with decades of success, Cruz still describes her encounters with Streep at award shows like she’s a newcomer meeting her idol.

“Every time I see her, I run to hug her like it’s the first time,” Cruz shared at the 2024 SAG Awards. “She’s so sweet, so kind, and always makes me feel calm.”

This fangirl energy isn’t about celebrity worship — it’s about recognizing greatness and being humbled by it. Cruz sees Streep not just as an icon, but as someone who embodies grace, talent, and humanity — all traits Cruz aspires to herself.

A Bond Built on the Craft

Both women are known for their dedication to their work. They take on complex, emotionally demanding roles and have consistently elevated female storytelling in cinema. What connects them on a deeper level is this mutual understanding of what it takes to give a soul to a character — and the sacrifices that come with being fully committed to a role.

Though they’ve yet to collaborate on a film, Cruz has joked (only half-jokingly) that she’d gladly serve coffee on any set Streep is working on, just to observe her process up close.

Mutual Respect

The admiration isn’t one-sided. In 2023, Meryl Streep mentioned Cruz in a speech at the Princess of Asturias Awards — quoting Cruz’s advice about living life from another’s point of view. For Cruz, hearing Streep repeat her words in such a public, heartfelt way was overwhelming. She admitted to watching the speech repeatedly to make sure she hadn’t imagined the moment.

Moments like these reflect the depth of their connection — not just two celebrities exchanging niceties, but two artists who inspire each other.

Hollywood Sisters in Spirit

Despite their different paths — Cruz from Madrid, Streep from New Jersey — both women share a love for the arts, a commitment to integrity in their work, and a deep respect for the people around them. They’re not often seen partying or courting the paparazzi. Instead, their appearances together — like on red carpets or at award shows — are quiet, joyful celebrations of mutual success.

What Their Friendship Represents

In a world that often pits women against one another, the relationship between Penélope Cruz and Meryl Streep offers a refreshing counter-narrative: one of admiration, support, and genuine sisterhood. It’s a reminder that greatness recognizes greatness — and that women lifting each other up is powerful, elegant, and enduring.

As fans, we can only hope that a collaboration is on the horizon. But even if that never happens, their bond already stands as one of the most beautiful friendships in modern cinema.

Penélope and Meryl prove that you’re never too successful to admire someone else — and never too famous to hug your hero.

Penélope Cruz Admits She Fangirls Over Meryl Streep at Awards Shows: 'My Favorite Actress'

 

Penélope Cruz has never been shy about her admiration for Meryl Streep. At the 2024 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, Cruz openly expressed her deep respect for Streep, referring to her as "my favorite actress" and sharing that she always rushes to hug her whenever they meet. Cruz described Streep as "so sweet and so kind," highlighting the genuine warmth she feels toward the legendary actress. 

This isn't the first time Cruz has spoken highly of Streep. At a 2023 BAFTA Life In Pictures event, Cruz mentioned that she often asks her agents to take her to Streep's set, even if it's just to bring her coffee. She noted that every time she meets Streep, she feels like it's the first time, such is her excitement. 

Their admiration for each other is mutual. In a memorable moment, Streep mentioned Cruz during her acceptance speech at the 2023 Princess of Asturias Awards, quoting advice Cruz had given her: "You gotta live your life looking at yourself through someone else's point of view!" Cruz was so moved by this acknowledgment that she watched the speech multiple times to ensure she hadn't imagined it. 

While Cruz and Streep have yet to collaborate on a film, their friendship continues to grow. Cruz has expressed her desire to work with Streep, considering her a "number one hero." Their shared moments, both on and off the red carpet, reflect a genuine bond built on mutual respect and admiration. 

In a world where celebrity friendships can sometimes seem superficial, the relationship between Cruz and Streep stands out as a testament to genuine admiration and respect between two of Hollywood's most talented actresses.

Javier Bardem

 

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Javier Ángel Encinas Bardem (born 1 March 1969) is a Spanish actor. In a career spanning over three decades, he has received various accolades, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Critics' Choice Movie Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and seven Goya Awards, in addition to Cannes Film Festival Award and two Volpi Cups.

A son of actress Pilar Bardem, he first became known for such Spanish films as Jamón jamón (1992), Boca a boca (1995), Carne trémula (1997), Los lunes al sol (2002), and Mar adentro (2004). He received nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actor for playing Reinaldo Arenas in Before Night Falls (2000), a criminal with cancer in Biutiful (2010), and Desi Arnaz in Being the Ricardos (2021). His portrayal of assassin Anton Chigurh in the Coen brothers' crime film No Country for Old Men (2007) won him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Bardem has also starred in auteur driven films such as Woody Allen's romantic drama Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008), Terrence Malick's drama To the Wonder (2013), Darren Aronofsky's horror film mother! (2017), and Asghar Farhadi's mystery drama Everybody Knows (2018). He also acted in blockbuster films such as the James Bond film Skyfall (2012), Eat Pray Love (2010), the swashbuckler film Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017), the science fiction epic films Dune (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024), and Disney's live-action remake The Little Mermaid (2023). On television, he portrayed José Menendez in the Netflix crime anthology series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (2024).

Bardem married actress Penélope Cruz in 2010 and together they have two children. In January 2018, Bardem became the ambassador of Greenpeace for the protection of Antarctica.

Early life

Bardem was born on 1 March 1969 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, in the Canary Islands, Spain. His mother, Pilar Bardem (1939–2021), was an actress, and his father, José Carlos Encinas Doussinague (1931–1995), was the son of a cattle rancher from the province of Salamanca. According to Pilar's memoirs, José had a "capricious and violent will," and shot up the front door. He changed jobs more than 10 times, leading to evictions and the children going hungry. The two separated shortly after Javier's birth. His mother raised him and his elder siblings, Carlos and Mónica, alone (another sibling died shortly after birth), both of whom have also pursued an acting career. His father died of leukemia in 1995.

On his mother’s side, Bardem comes from a long line of filmmakers and actors dating back to the earliest days of Spanish cinema. He is a grandson of actors Rafael Bardem and Matilde Muñoz Sampedro (sister of actresses Mercedes and Guadalupe), and a nephew of screenwriter and director Juan Antonio Bardem. On the latter's side, he is a cousin of filmmaker Miguel Bardem. His uncle Juan Antonio was imprisoned by the Franco regime for his anti-fascist films. Bardem was brought up in the Roman Catholic faith by his grandmother.

As a child, he spent time at theatres and on film sets. In 1974, he made his first television appearance, in Fernando Fernán Gómez's television series El pícaro  (The Scoundrel). He also played rugby for the junior Spanish National Team. Though he grew up in a family full of actors, Bardem did not see himself going into the family business, and painting was his preferred medium. He went on to study painting for four years at Madrid's Escuela de Artes y oficios. In need of money, he took acting jobs to support his painting but felt he was a bad painter and eventually abandoned it as a career.

In 1989, for the Spanish comedy show El Día Por Delante (The Day Ahead), he had to wear a Superman costume for a comedic sketch, a job that made him question whether he wanted to be an actor at all. Bardem also worked as a stripper (for one day) during his struggling acting career.

Career

1990–1999: Early roles

Bardem came to notice in a small role in his first major motion picture, The Ages of Lulu, when he was 21, in which he appeared along with his mother, Pilar Bardem. He also appeared in minor roles in Amo tu cama rica and High Heels. Bigas Luna, the director of Lulu, was sufficiently impressed to give him the leading male role in his next film, Jamón Jamón in 1992, in which Bardem played a would-be underwear model and bullfighter. The film, which also starred his eventual wife Penélope Cruz, was a major international success. Bardem featured in Sancho Gracia's Huidos, and starred in Bigas Luna's next film Golden Balls (1993).

Bardem's talent did not go unnoticed in the English-speaking world. In 1997, John Malkovich was the first to approach him, then a 27-year-old, for a role in English, but the Spanish actor turned down the offer because his English was still poor. His first English-speaking role came that same year, in with director Álex de la Iglesia's Perdita Durango, playing a santería-practicing bank robber.

2000–2011: Breakthrough and acclaim

After starring in about two dozen films in his native country, he gained international recognition in Julian Schnabel's Before Night Falls in 2000, portraying Cuban poet Reinaldo Arenas. He received praise from his idol Al Pacino; the message Pacino left on Bardem's answering machine was something he considers one of the most beautiful gifts he has ever received. For that role, he received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor, the first for a Spaniard. Immediately after, he turned down the role of Danny Witwer in Minority Report which eventually went to Colin Farrell. Instead, in 2002, Bardem starred in Malkovich's directorial debut, The Dancer Upstairs. Malkovich originally had Bardem in mind for the role of the detective's assistant, but the movie's time trying to find financing gave Bardem time to learn English and take on the lead role of the detective. "I will always be grateful to him because he really gave me my very first chance to work in English", Bardem has said of Malkovich.

Bardem won Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival for his role in Mar Adentro (2004), released in the United States as The Sea Inside, in which he portrayed the quadriplegic turned assisted suicide activist Ramón Sampedro. He made his Hollywood debut in a brief appearance as a crime lord who summons Tom Cruise's hitman to do the dirty work of dispatching witnesses in the crime drama Collateral. He stars in Miloš Forman's 2006 film Goya's Ghosts opposite Natalie Portman, where he plays a twisted monk during the Spanish Inquisition.

In 2007, Bardem acted in two film adaptations: the Coen brothers' No Country for Old Men, and the adaptation of the Colombian novel Love in the Time of Cholera with Giovanna Mezzogiorno by Gabriel García Márquez. In No Country for Old Men, he played a sociopathic assassin, Anton Chigurh. For that role, he became the first Spaniard to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. He won a Golden Globe Award and Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award for Best Supporting Actor, the Critics' Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor, and the 2008 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Bardem's rendition of Chigurh's trademark quote, "What business is it of yours where I'm from, friendo?" (in response to the convenience store owner's query, "Y'all gettin' any rain up your way"), was named Top HollyWORDIE of 2007 in the annual survey by the Global Language Monitor. Chigurh was named No. 26 in Entertainment Weekly magazine's 2008 "50 Most Vile Villains in Movie History" list. Bardem's life's work was honored at the 2007 Gotham Awards, produced by Independent Feature Project. In 2014, Belgian psychiatry professor Samuel Leistedt and 10 associates watched 400 movies over the course of three years and identified 126 psychopathic characters: Bardem's rendition of Chigurh was voted the most realistic psychopath.

Francis Ford Coppola singled out Bardem as an heir to, and even improvement on, Al Pacino, Jack Nicholson and Robert De Niro, referring to Bardem as ambitious, hungry, unwilling to rest on his laurels and always "excited to do something good." Bardem was attached to play the role of Tetro's mentor in Coppola's film Tetro, but the director felt the character should be female, so he was replaced by fellow Spaniard Carmen Maura. Bardem was originally cast to play fictional filmmaker Guido Contini in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical Nine but dropped out due to exhaustion. The part eventually went to Daniel Day-Lewis. He went on to star alongside Penélope Cruz and Scarlett Johansson in Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008) where he earned his fourth Golden Globe Award nomination.

2012–present: Established career

In 2010, he was awarded Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival for his performance in Biutiful directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, who specifically wrote the film with Bardem in mind. After being overlooked by the Globes and SAG, Bardem was the unexpected Oscar nominee on 25 January 2011, becoming the first all Spanish-language Best Actor nominee ever. He won his 5th Goya Award, this time for Best Actor in Biutiful, dedicating the win to his wife, Penélope Cruz, and newborn son. 

Around this same time, he was offered the lead role of "Gunslinger" Roland Deschain in Ron Howard's film adaptation of Stephen King's Dark Tower novels. If he had signed, he would have starred in the TV series as well. Then Eon Productions offered him a role as villain Raoul Silva in the James Bond film Skyfall. With Universal deciding not to go forward with the ultra-ambitious adaptation of the 8-novel Stephen King series, and to end months of speculation, Bardem officially confirmed his role in Skyfall during an interview with Christiane Amanpour for ABC's Nightline.

Bardem received the 2,484th star of the Hollywood Walk of Fame on 8 November 2012. The star is located outside the El Capitan Theatre. With his movie Sons of the Clouds: The Last Colony (2012), he demonstrated the suffering of the Sahrawi people in refugee camps. He publicly denounced the UN as unwilling to definitively resolve the human crisis there.

Bardem portrayed the main antagonist, Armando Salazar, in 2017's Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, the fifth film in the series. In September 2017, Bardem starred with Jennifer Lawrence, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Ed Harris in the horror film Mother! by director Darren Aronofsky, which focuses on a couple whose lives are disrupted by the arrival of unexpected guests. In 2018, Bardem once again appeared on screen alongside his spouse Penélope Cruz in Asghar Farhadi's feature film Everybody Knows.

In 2021, Bardem portrayed Stilgar in Denis Villeneuve's science fiction drama Dune. That same year, he starred as Julio Blanco in Fernando León de Aranoa's workplace satire The Good Boss. His leading performance portraying a manipulative factory boss was considered among the finest of his career by critics, and clinched him a Goya Award. Also in 2021, he starred as Desi Arnaz, alongside Nicole Kidman as his on-screen wife Lucille Ball, in Amazon Studios' and Aaron Sorkin's Being the Ricardos. Despite unfavorable reactions in response to his casting as Arnaz, Bardem's portrayal received praise. For his performance, he received nominations for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role, as well as his third Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, his fourth nomination overall.

Bardem was set to play Frankenstein's Monster in the upcoming remake of the Bride of Frankenstein, directed by Bill Condon. He appeared in the 2022 film Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile and played King Triton in Disney's 2023 live-action/CGI movie, The Little Mermaid, directed by Rob Marshall. In 2024, Bardem reprised the role of Stilgar in Dune: Part Two and he will also work once again with Kidman in the upcoming Netflix and Skydance Animation film, Spellbound. On 10 July 2023, Deadline announced that Bardem will star with Brad Pitt in F1 for Apple TV+, with Warner Bros. Pictures handling theatrical distribution.

In September 2024, during the reception of his 2023 Donostia Award for career achievement at the 72nd San Sebastián International Film Festival, answering a question about his availability to Spanish filmmakers other than his friend Fernando León, Bardem announced that he had been cast to star alongside Victoria Luengo in Rodrigo Sorogoyen's The Beloved, due to begin filming in January 2025 in Fuerteventura. That same month, he starred as Jose Menendez, the father of Lyle and Erik Menendez, in Netflix's Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, which earned him nominations for the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actor - Miniseries or Television Movie. In advance of the 2025 Cannes Film Market, Bardem was reported to have been cast in Florian Zeller's psychological thriller Bunker alongside Penélope Cruz.

Personal life

Marriage and family

In 2007, Bardem began dating Penélope Cruz, his co-star in Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Bardem and Cruz have maintained a low public profile, refusing to discuss their personal lives. The couple married in July 2010 in The Bahamas. They have two children: a son, named Leo Encinas Cruz, born on 23 January 2011, in Los Angeles; and a daughter, named Luna Encinas Cruz, born on 22 July 2013, in Madrid.

In September 2018, at the Toronto Film Festival premiere of Everybody Knows Bardem told Ikon London Magazine about acting together with his spouse: "I find it very easy. In a sense that we play what we are supposed to play and then we go back to our daily life which is way more interesting than any fiction. And it is real."

Interests

Bardem's native language is Spanish, and he is also fluent in English. He is a fan of heavy metal music, and credits the band AC/DC for helping him learn to speak English, in some respects. He is also a fan of Pearl Jam. Bardem does not drive, only getting behind the wheel for film roles, and he refers to himself as a "worker" or "entertainer", not an actor. In 2024, he stated that he still saw himself as "the son of Pilar", adding that he did not want "to be anything else".

Although Bardem was raised as a Catholic, he is now agnostic. He expressed his support of gay marriage in Spain. Bardem emphasized that while ego drives acting, it should not interfere with filmmaking. He later said that although he does not believe strongly in the supernatural, he does not deny it. "We are just this little tiny spot in the whole universe, so of course there must be other things, other people, other creatures, other lives and other dimensions. Sure, I believe in it". In the same interview, Bardem stated that he thinks science and belief "should go together".

Despite the villainous characters he has played throughout his acting career, Bardem has a self-confessed "hatred" of violence that stems from a fight in a nightclub in his early 20s that left him with a broken nose.

In 2025, Bardem revealed that he is a fan of Spanish football club Atlético Madrid on the show Conan O'Brien Must Go.

Activism and political stances

Long committed to the plight of the Sahrawi people, Bardem served as spokesperson of the platform 'All with the Sahara', that collected signatures to ask the Spanish government to "lead the search for a peaceful and just solution to a conflict that affects us directly". Bardem produced and narrated the documentary film Sons of the Clouds about life in the Sahrawi refugee camps. In May 2011 Bardem teamed up with The Enough Project's co-founder John Prendergast to raise awareness about conflict minerals in eastern Congo. In July 2019, Bardem signed a manifesto urging PSOE and Podemos parties to reach an agreement to form a ministry after the April 2019 elections in Spain.

In November 2019, during the March for Climate in Madrid, Bardem gave a speech on stage where he called both the mayor of Madrid José Luis Martínez-Almeida and the US president Donald Trump "stupid". He later apologized, declaring that "the insult illegitimizes any speech and conversation."

During the 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict, Bardem and Cruz signed an open letter denouncing Israel's actions as genocide. In September 2024, Bardem criticized Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip and the "unconditional support" of Israel by the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, saying that "Israel's extreme right-wing nationalist government is not at all representative of the Jewish community or Israeli society."

Acting credits and accolades

Over his career, he has been recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the following performances:

73rd Academy Awards: Best Actor in a Leading Role, nomination, for Before Night Falls (2000)

80th Academy Awards: Best Actor in a Supporting Role, win, No Country for Old Men (2008)

83rd Academy Awards: Best Actor in a Leading Role, nomination, Biutiful (2010)

94th Academy Awards: Best Actor in a Leading Role, nomination, Being the Ricardos (2021)

 

Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem: A Spanish Love Story for the Ages

 

In a world where celebrity relationships often make headlines for all the wrong reasons, the love story of Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem stands out as one of quiet devotion, mutual respect, and enduring passion. Spain’s ultimate power couple — both Oscar-winning actors — have managed to keep their relationship largely private, grounded in shared values, artistic passion, and a deep connection that spans decades.

Let’s take a closer look at how Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem went from co-stars to soulmates.

From On-Screen Chemistry to Real-Life Love

Penélope and Javier first met on the set of Jamón Jamón in 1992, a provocative Spanish film that launched Cruz’s career and showcased Bardem’s intense talent. At the time, they were young actors still carving their paths, and their chemistry was undeniable. However, it wasn’t until years later — in 2007 — when they reunited for Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona, that sparks flew off-screen as well.

Their chemistry was still magnetic, but this time it translated into real love. The couple quietly began dating, away from the Hollywood spotlight.

A Secret Wedding and Private Life

True to their low-profile style, Cruz and Bardem married in an intimate ceremony in the Bahamas in 2010, attended by just close family and friends. Since then, they’ve rarely spoken publicly about their relationship, preferring to keep their personal lives away from media scrutiny.

They now live primarily in Madrid, far from the buzz of Hollywood, with their two children. Cruz has made it clear that privacy is not just a preference but a necessity: “I protect my family and my children fiercely,” she said in an interview. “That’s sacred to me.”

A Relationship Built on Shared Values

Both Cruz and Bardem are deeply committed to their craft — they take on roles with emotional weight and social relevance, often working in European cinema in addition to major Hollywood projects. Despite their global fame, they share a strong bond with their Spanish roots and culture.

Their mutual respect extends beyond their marriage to their work. In 2009, Bardem won an Oscar for No Country for Old Men, and in 2009, Cruz followed with her own win for Vicky Cristina Barcelona. In 2022, both were nominated for Academy Awards — Cruz for Parallel Mothers and Bardem for Being the Ricardos — a rare moment that spotlighted their shared excellence.

Keeping Love Alive Through the Years

Unlike many celebrity couples who share every moment on social media, Cruz and Bardem keep their romance mostly behind closed doors. But when they do speak about each other, it’s with admiration and depth.

In a rare public moment during his Cannes Film Festival speech, Bardem said of Cruz, “I owe you so much and I love you so deeply.” Cruz, likewise, has described Bardem as her “rock” and the love of her life.

They support each other’s careers while prioritizing family — something that both say keeps them grounded. In interviews, they often mention how their roles as parents have transformed their perspectives and made their connection stronger.

Working Together On and Off Screen

Though they don’t always work together, when they do, it's electric. Everybody Knows (2018), a psychological thriller, saw them playing a married couple confronting dark secrets — a film that mirrored none of their actual relationship but highlighted their on-screen synergy.

Their ability to separate professional and personal life has been one of the keys to their lasting marriage. “When we’re at work, we focus on work. When we’re home, we’re just like any other couple,” Cruz once said.

A Modern Love That Honors Tradition

What makes Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem so admired isn’t just their success or fame — it’s their authenticity. In a culture that often glamorizes drama and spectacle, they’ve built a quiet, enduring relationship based on love, respect, and shared purpose.

They are not just a Hollywood power couple — they’re proof that long-term love, even in the spotlight, is possible when rooted in something real.