Cruz May Reunite with Her Husband on “The Counselor”

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Penelope Cruz’s latest project with Woody Allen hasn’t even hit theaters yet… But she may already be lining up her next project, which could reunite her with her husband.

The 37-year-old Spanish actress is reportedly in talks to appear opposite Javier Bardem in The Counselor, the drug drama from Cormac McCarthy and Ridley Scott.

The film is one of Hollywood’s hottest projects, due to the speed at which it seems to be coming together, as well as the star power associated with it.

Scott then decided to make it his next project, bringing with him Michael Fassbender, with whom he’d just finished Prometheus. Brad Pitt and Bardem then quickly came on board.

The story is set along the Mexican border and centers on Fassbender’s character, an attorney and good man in need of money who decides to dabble in the cocaine trade. He teams up with a rich acquaintance (Bardem) for the new business that also brings in a shady type (Pitt). Things quickly go awry in what is being described as a dialogue-heavy, violent and racy script.

Cruz, who would play Fassbender’s love interest, doesn’t have an offer yet. But talks have taken place and an offer is reportedly expected soon.

Cruz has worked with Bardem several times, dating back to 1992’s Jamon Jamon, with the last time being 2008’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona, which resulted in her Oscar win.

Cruz Dazzles at “To Rome with Love” Premiere…

Posted on April 14, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Following their Oscar-luring partnership in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Penelope Cruz and Woody Allen are back with the director’s latest Europe-based drama To Rome with Love.

The 37-year-old Spanish actress and Allen appeared at the film’s premiere on Friday night at Rome’s Auditorium Parco della Musica.

Much like she did at this year’s Oscars, Cruz stole the spotlight in her glamorous floor-length lace Dolce & Gabbana dress, which she paired with a Roger Vivier miniaudiere and Chopard jewelry.

Allen’s To Rome with Love unfolds in four vignettes. It’s a story about a number of people in Italy, some American, some Italian, some residents, some visitors, and the romances and adventures and predicaments they get into. Cruz plays a prostitute named Anna in the film.

Following its Rome premiere, the dramedy will have its first North American screening at the 18th annual Los Angeles Film Festival on Thursday, June 14.

To Rome with Love will open nationwide on June 22.

Vergara Shines in First SNL Hosting Gig…

Posted on April 8, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Talk about Lucky No. 7… This Saturday, Sofia Vergara became only the seventh Latina to host NBC’s Saturday Night Live in the sketch comedy show’s 37 seasons.

And the 39-year-old Colombian actress—who gave one of the night’s most memorable acceptance speeches at this year’s Golden Globes—didn’t disappoint in her first at-bat as guest host.

Looking absolutely stunning in a sleek black bustier-dress, the “world’s most desirable woman” kicked off the show with a hilarious monologue that included welcoming viewers to “La noche de sabado en vivo” and poking fun at her sex appeal and unmistakable accent.

“I always heard that immigrants had a really hard life when they came to America,” joked Vergara. “But when I showed up here everyone was so nice. The men bought me drinks and offered me a place to sleep. This country welcomed me with open arms… and pulled-down pants.”

Later Vergara—a two-time Emmy nominee—appeared in several memorable skits. She played an anchorwoman shooting a promo with a complicated coworker, a sex education teacher in another of Kristen Wiig’s hilarious Gilly sketches and a woman trying to find her birth mother on Fred Armisen’s always funny The Manuel Ortiz Show skit—which included an appearance by musical guest One Direction’s members as her five sons.

One of the brightest moments of the night came when Vergara impersonated another actress with a distinctive voice: The Nanny’s Fran Drescher. The Colombian bombshell mastered Drescher’s high-pitched voice and quirky laugh during the Bein’ Quirky with Zooey Deschanel skit.

In another highlight, Vergara played the newest member of the team reporting on the 74th Annual Hunger Games, a parody of the recent blockbuster smash The Hunger Games . The skit featured Vergara’s character Maria Gutierrez reporting live from the arena on the action of the 24 tributes battling to the death. “They should call it the FUNger Games,” said Vergara. “‘cause everyone is having so much fun.”

But the biggest laughs of the night came when Vergara played herself while shooting a Pantene commercial with a Penelope Cruz, who also has a discernible accent. While Vergara was given easy words to say in the commercial, Cruz had to say difficult words like “follicular development” and “ammonium laureth sulfate.”

Lopez: Oscar Night’s Blue-Ribbon Beauty

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Save the best for last! The red carpet at this year’s Academy Awards was a hotbed for the chicest beauty trends brought to vida… And, Latina celebrities like Jennifer Lopez brought their A-game with their flawless skin, makeup and hair.

Hispanically Yours’ guest beauty editor Yara Ocasio—a Tampa Bay-based hair & makeup artist—paid close attention to all the coverage of the alfombra roja coverage to share her thoughts on Oscar night’s most inspired beauty looks that you can take from the red carpet to the real world:

I must say this was very hard decision… so, hard I needed an extra day to get my thoughts together. Go figure! But let me tell you… these Latina bomshells are just bien exotic.

Jennifer Lopez
One of the most talked about stars of the night was our beautiful Boricua Jennifer Lopez, who was wearing a Zuhair Murad gown with Lorraine Schwartz jewels. I was absolutely encantada con el dress.

Her makeup was what I like to call a subtle smoky; white with a light shade of gray in the crease. I did see a little bit of a wing liner; you can use a shadow to make the line softer, just like J.Lo did.

Jenny from the Block had gorgeous lashes; they were full and long, yet subtle. She had a bit of a sun kiss glow, as always. The best part is that it was subtle. The American Idol judge had a great neutral lip shade. (I actually did see a lot of neutral lips on the red carpet!)

I know you’re probably thinking… “What about the hair?” It took me a while to approve of the top bun, but it was very clean and simple. I actually like it and think she made a great choice allowing the dress to be the focal point.

Penelope Cruz
Penelope Cruz looked gorgeous in her custom Giorgio Armani organza evening gown.

When I saw her hair, I thought it looked vintage with the soft wave and her hair off her face. It just worked well with the dress. This hot Española had soft smoky eyes, very beautiful! (Please don’t forget to color or fill in your eyebrows; the look will be perfecto then!)

At this awards show, we saw a lot of soft smoky looks for the eyes and lots of neutral lips. A few ladies stepped out of the box and I love to see that taking place.

Miss Piggy
Ay! I must say that I was impresionada with the one and only Miss Piggy…. She is always perfect! Her hair was perfect; the hair “bump” was just right and the curls were great. That hair color is bello on her. She always has the best makeup and hair. What is her secret to not aging? In my opinion she beat everyone. I know she is not “Latina”, however with her strong character, she just might be!

Yara Ocasio, one of Tampa Bay’s rising beauty stars, is a double-threat makeup artist and hair designer who had a passion for beauty, fun designs and an eye for fashion since she was a youngster. A licensed cosmetologist with more than seven years experience, Ocasio has had a fascination with makeup since she started modeling at the age of 15. And she has been doing makeup ever since. Ocasio has extensive training and has worked with Mary Kay, Guerlain, Bare Escentuals and MAC Cosmetics. After working for different cosmetics companies and hair salons, she decided to venture out on her own launch El Shaddai Makeup and Hair Designs, a company that focuses on special events like commercial and editorial photo shoots and commercials, weddings, quinces, fashion shows and more. She has even created how-to videos for Tyra Banks’ website typef.com. Click here to visit El Shaddai’s Facebook page.

Cruz: Best Dressed at This Year’s Oscars

Posted on February 26, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

It may be called “Hollywood’s biggest night” as the entertainment industry’s luminaries gather to recognize the year’s best of the best.

But the Academy Awards could also be called “Hollywood’s biggest night of fashion,” with the world’s most stunning starlets strutting their way down the pre-Oscars red carpet in oh-so-haute gowns. And, Sunday’s Academy Awards proved no exception!

Here’s a look at the best dressed Latinas who pulled out all the stops at the 84th Annual Academy Awards to shine brightest:

Penelope Cruz
There’s no denying Penelope Cruz is one of Hollywood’s brightest stars, especially after seeing her bring some “Old Hollywood” glamour back to this year’s red carpet. The 37-year-old Spanish actress, who won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 2008 for her work in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, dazzled in a custom, lilac Armani Prive organza gown with a fitted bodice. Cruz, a presenter at Sunday’s awards show, accessorized her off-the-shoulder stunner with Chopard jewels and a pinned undo.

Jennifer Lopez
She’s known for taking risks on the red carpet, and Jennifer Lopez’s red carpet look at this year’s Academy Awards was no exception. The 42-year-old Puerto Rican singer, actress and American Idol judge looked absolutely radiant in a custom Zuhair Murad couture gown with a plunging neckline and cut-out sleeves. Lopez wore her hair in an oversized bun and carried a Salvatore Ferragamo silver mirrored clutch. “I’ve always loved fashion since I was a little girl,” the awards show presenter told Tim Gunn. “I enjoy playing dress up.” And, during tonight’s show, she was dressed to the nines and lookin’ fine!

Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz hit this year’s Academy Awards in a strapless, cream-colored Gucci gown that showed off her taut figure. The 39-year-old part-Cuban actress accessorized with Tiffany & Co. jewels worth nearly $1 million and Salvatore Ferragamo shoes. Diaz, who served as a presenter during this year’s Oscars telecast, admitted the dresses train was a little heavy, but told Tim Gunn that it’s so masterfully crafted. “These dresses are works of artisans, and the way that they fit and the way they hold onto [your] body, you know who you’re dealing with when you put it on your body,” Diaz added.

Bérénice Bejo
She may have lost to The Help’s Octavia Spencer in the Best Supporting Actress category, but Bérénice Bejo proved to be one of the night’s biggest winners on the red carpet. The 35-year-old Argentine actress and The Artist scene-stealer—who won the Best Actress trophy at France’s version of the Oscars on Friday—hit the red carpet in a beaded, mint green Elie Saab couture gown. Bejo’s copper locks and braided up do complemented the look, especially when juxtaposed with her dramatic emerald-and-diamond drop earrings.

Cruz Bares Shoulder in New PETA Anti-Fur Ad…

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Despite the bitter cold temperatures in New York City, Penelope Cruz isn’t afraid to bare arms, or in this case, shoulders for a good cause.

The 37-year-old Oscar-winning actress gives fur the cold shoulder as part of PETA’s latest ad campaign.

Cruz, mother to one-year-old Leo with hubby Javier Bardem—is appearing on a 70-foot billboard that debuted near New York City’s Penn Station on Wednesday.

“Penelope has appeared on every ‘best-dressed’ list in the world, and the one thing you’ll never see her wearing is fur,” PETA’s Senior VP Lisa Lange tells Us Weekly in a statement of the animal rights group’s latest spokesmodel. “PETA couldn’t ask for a more fitting emblem of the modern, glamorous woman who knows that there’s nothing more beautiful than a woman who has a look that kills without anyone having to die for it.”

Cruz—who is preparing to work on her second film project with Woody Allen, who directed her an Academy Award in Vicky Cristina Barcelona—joins the likes of Taraji P. Henson and Bethenny Frankel in supporting the cause.

Almodóvar’s Next Muse: Angelina Jolie?

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

He’s called Penélope Cruz his muse and directed her in four of his films…. But Pedro Almodóvar could soon be working with another of Hollywood’s A-list celebrities.

While appearing on the red carpet at American Cinematheque‘s annual event for the Golden Globes‘ foreign-language nominees, the 62-year-old Spanish director—whose latest film, The Skin I Live In, recently received 16 Goya Awards nominations—ran into fellow nominee Angelina Jolie and playfully struck a deal to work together.

This year’s entries include Jolie’s In the Land of Blood and Honey, about family strife and abuse of women in Bosnia, and Almodovar’s psycho-thriller The Skin I Live In.

After speaking separately to reporters on the red carpet at the Los Angeles event, Almodóvar and Jolie took a break from interviews to greet each other and talk shop.

Almodóvar joked about improving his English and then eagerly agreed when Jolie expressed an interest in working with him.

“So you promise, one day? When all these cameras are gone, we’ll find a film together?” Jolie asked Almodóvar, to which he responded, “Yes. Absolutely. This is a commitment in front of the cameras.”

“I love her,” Almodóvar said later, adding that he was working on a project set in New York that could be filmed in the United States in English if “the right script” can be found.

Cruz’s Second Woody Allen Film to Hit Theaters Next Summer…

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Tom Castaneda

Penelope Cruz’s second project with Woody Allen will definitely hit theaters in the United States next summer…

The 37-year-old Spanish actress—who scored a Best Supporting Actress Oscar after appearing in Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona in 2008—appears in the legendary director’s next film, Nero Fiddled.

Sony Pictures Classics has acquired all North American and United Kingdom rights to the Allen’s film, which was shot in Rome over the summer, and they have big hops it will translate into a hit when they release it next year.

“More laughs in this one than you can imagine,” says Sony Pictures Classics. “We know it’s a bit premature, but thank you Woody and company, for granting us the perfect summer comedy of 2012. Keep ‘em coming.”

Along with Cruz, the romantic comedy stars Alec Baldwin, Roberto Benigni, Jesse Eisenberg and Ellen Page.

It’s All About Almodóvar & His Inspired Work in New York City

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Tom Castaneda

He’s written and directed cherished films like All About My Mother and Volver… And, now Pedro Almodóvar is being recognized for his award-winning work.

The Museum of Modern Art honored the 62-year-old Oscar-nominated filmmaker with a special tribute during the museum’s fourth annual Film Benefit this evening in New York City.

Possibly the most successful and internationally acclaimed Spanish filmmaker of his generation, Almodóvar is renowned for the Academy Award-winning films Talk to Her and All About My Mother, as well as the award-winning films Broken Embraces, Volver, Bad Education and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. In all, Almodóvar’s career spans more than 30 years—with 18 films on his impressive resume.

His most recent critically-acclaimed film The Skin I Live In, starring Antonio Banderas, was released last month.

It’s no wonder Banderas and Almodóvar’s muse Penélope Cruz served as this year’s Film Benefit honorary co-chairs. Banderas has starred in six of the Spanish director’s films; Cruz, who scored a Best Actress Academy Award nomination for her starring role in Almodóvar’s Volver, has starred in four.

During the special diner reception, which raises funds to ensure great works of cinema continue to join the collection of The Museum of Modern Art, organizers made a special presentation recognizing Almodóvar’s acclaimed directorial work.

Attendees included Blake Lively, Emma Stone, Sarah Jessica Parker and Drew Barrymore.

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