Penélope Cruz: The Next Bond Girl?

Penélope Cruz and husband Javier Bardem may share a new Hollywood bond

The 39-year-old Spanish actress, who won an Oscar for starring opposite Bardem in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, has been named a strong contender for the role of Bond girl in the next installment of the James Bond franchise.

Penelope Cruz

Cruz, who earned recognition for her role in the Tom Cruise-starrer Vanilla Sky, is rumored to have been approached and offered the coveted role.

If the rumor holds true, Cruz, who will turn 40 next April, will be the first Spanish and the oldest Bond girl in franchise history.

Sources close to the production reportedly spilled the beans of the casting news, saying, “The producers have tried to get Penelope before, but she has never been available because of other commitments. The discussions have been going on for some time and they are working out the contract details now.”

Currently, Daniel Craig is set to reprise his iconic role in the upcoming Bond movie, known simply as Bond 24 right now, with Sam Mendes likely to direct.

Cruz’s husband earned rave reviews when he starred as the main antagonist in the recent installment of the Bond franchise, Skyfall, which was released last year.

Bond 24 is eyeing a 2016 release.

Cruz Gives Birth to Her First Child…

Monica Cruz is officially a mother…

The 36-year-old Spanish actress, model and dancer – the younger sister of Penélope Cruz – welcomed her first child, a daughter, on Tuesday at the Hospital Ruber Internacional in Madrid, according to Hola magazine.

Monica Cruz

The Vicky Cristina Barcelona actress was by her sister’s side when she went into labor. Their mother, Encarna, and brother, Eduardo Cruz, also paid a visit to give their support.

Monica announced her pregnancy in January. She decided to be a single mother by turning to an anonymous sperm donor out of fear that it would “too late for motherhood” by the time she found her perfect partner.

“I am going to be a mother! I have managed to fulfill the dream of a lifetime,” she blogged. “To become pregnant, I turned to artificial insemination…I want to tell, also, so I can have the opportunity to show my thanks to all those anonymous men that give many women like me, the dream of their lives.”

Cruz Confirms Her Second Pregnancy…

It’s official… Penelope Cruz has confirmed her second pregnancy…

The news about the 38-year-old Spanish actress and her husband Javier Bardem expecting another child broke earlier this month. But Cruz’s publicist, Javier Giner, made it official this week.
Penelope Cruz & Javier Bardem
Cruz’s publicist says the To Rome with Love actress was “extremely happy and very excited” about the baby news. But Giner refused to give further details about the pregnancy, including the due date.

Cruz and Bardem are already the proud parents to 2-year-old Leonardo.

The power couple began dating after meeting on the set of Woody Allen‘s 2007 movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona, the film that earned Cruz an Oscar. They wed in July 2010 at ceremony at a friend’s home in the Bahamas. Six months later, in January 2011, Leonardo was born at Los Angeles’ Cedars Sinai Hospital.

Cruz shared her story with the press about being a mother, “From the first second, you feel so much love.” She added, “It is a revolutionary experience. That’s the best way I can describe it. It transforms you completely, in a second. Nature is very wise and gives you nine months to prepare, but in that moment, when you see that face, you are transformed forever.”

Cruz Reportedly Expecting Second Child

Penelope Cruz may soon be welcoming a new addition to her familia

The 38-year-old Spanish actress is reportedly pregnant with her second child with husband Javier Bardem, according to the Spanish TV show Espejo Publico.

Penelope Cruz

The program claims that a source close to Cruz and Bardem, who will reportedly be appearing on screen together in The Counselor, confirmed that the Oscar winning actress is expecting her second child, less than two years after the arrival of their first child Leonardo was born.

In a recent interview the Vicky Cristina Barcelona star admitted that she’s enjoying her role as a housewife and mother, describing it as the “best thing in the world.”

Cruz, currently appearing in Woody Allen’s To Rome With Love, married the 43-year-old Bardem in a secret ceremony in the Bahamas in July 2010, some 12 years after they first met on the set of 1992 film Jamon Jamon.

Cruz May Reunite with Her Husband on “The Counselor”

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.

Penelope Cruz

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: Best Dressed at This Year’s Oscars

Oscars-Academy-Awards-2012

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 at the Oscars

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 at the Oscars

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 at the Oscars

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.

Berenice Bejo at the Oscars

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.