Penélope Cruz won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Woody Allen’s 2008 film Vicky Cristina Barcelona. She played María Elena, a volatile and passionate Spanish woman who is involved in a complicated love triangle with her ex-husband Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem) and two American women, Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson).
Cruz’s performance was widely praised by critics, who noted her ability to convey María Elena’s intensity, vulnerability, and humor. She also won the Golden Globe Award and the Screen Actors Guild Award for her performance in the film.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $216 million worldwide. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress for Johansson, and Best Supporting Actress for Cruz. Cruz’s win made her the first Spanish actress to win an Oscar.
Cruz’s performance in Vicky Cristina Barcelona is considered to be one of her best, and it helped to solidify her status as one of the leading actresses in the world.