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By Elma B.

Penelope Cruz gained international recognition in Jamón, jamón in 1992. Most of us in the U.S. took note of the gorgeous Spanish actress in Blow (with her co-star Johnny Depp) and in Vanilla Sky (with her co-stars Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz) in 2001.

Cruz has appeared in a wide range of films from comedies to thrillers. After 2001, she has starred in Waking up in Reno in 2002, Gothika in 2003, the Noel in 2004, and Sahara (with her co-star Matthew McConaughey) in 2005. She received a Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations for Volver in 2006 and for Nine in 2009. Cruz woman Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Vicky Cristina Barcelona in 2008. She was the first Spanish actress to receive an Academy Award. Penelope Cruz also starred in Pirates of the Caribbean: on Stranger Tides in 2011, in Venuto al Mondo (which partially takes place in Sarajevo) in 2012, and To Rome With Love (which was produced by Woody Allen) in 2012.

Aside from being a phenomenal actress, Cruz has devoted her time and has financed charities, e.g. she volunteered in Uganda and India. She worked for one week for Mother Teresa and donated her salary from The Hi-Lo Country film to support late Mother Teresa's mission.