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.
