Penelope Cruz is Amazing!

#1 Meet Penelope Cruz

Born in 1974, Penelope Cruz has risen to the heights of Hollywood and International stardom. She was signed by an agent at 15 and made her first appearance on television by 16.

#2 Spanish Spoken Here

Penelope -- along with Salma Hayek -- are the two most beautiful Hispanic actresses at work today. Here they are together in Banditas.

#3 Penelope: Her First Instincts

As a toddler, Penelope was a compulsive performer. She re-enacted TV commercials for her family and friend's entertainment.

#4 Penelope on Point

The first career Cruz chose for herself was ballet. She studied classical ballet for nine years at Spain's National Conservatory. She received three years of Spanish ballet training and four years of theater at Cristina Rota's New York school.

#5 Penelope and the Betamax

When Penelope developed an interest in movies when she was about 10 or 11-years-old, there were no movie theaters near her home in Spain. Her father bought a betamax player so she could start studying what became her profession.

#6 Penelope and Pedro

Penelope got in to acting when she noticed the work of Pedro Almodóvar, in particular, Tie Me Up? Tie Me Down! In 1997, she appeared in the opening scene of Pedro Almodóvar's Live Flesh as a prostitute who gives birth on a bus.

#7 Pirates of the Caribean!

The fourth in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise benefited from the Penelope's star power. It's her biggest movie to date and every one will remember how she handled the swords.

#8 Lands First American Role

In 2000, Cruz appeared in Woman on Top, her first American role. She was the lead female role as Isabelle, a world-class chef who suffers from motion sickness. The US learned she has a charming accent and could play comedy.

#9 Breakout! Vanilla Sky

2001 was the turning point in her career. Cruz starred in Vanilla Sky directed by Cameron Crowe. She played Sofia Serrano, the love interest of Tom Cruise's character. Vanilla Sky made $200 million worldwide and her performance was well received by critics.

#10 First Academy Award

Way back in 2007, Penelope starred in Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona. For her performance, Cruz earned her first Academy Award and BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress. Cruz was the first Spanish actress to ever be awarded an Academy Award in that category.