Penelope 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 passionate Spanish woman who becomes involved in a love triangle with two American women, Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson). Cruz’s performance was widely praised by critics, with many noting her intensity, vulnerability, and comedic timing.
Cruz’s Oscar win was a historic moment, as she became the first Spanish actress to win an Academy Award. She also became the first actress to win an Oscar for a performance in a Woody Allen film since Mira Sorvino won Best Supporting Actress for Mighty Aphrodite in 1996.
Cruz’s Oscar win was a fitting capstone to a remarkable year for her. In addition to her Oscar win, she also won a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress, a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role, and an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female.
Cruz’s Oscar win was a testament to her talent and versatility as an actress. She has proven herself to be one of the most gifted actresses of her generation, and her win was a well-deserved recognition of her work.