Javier and Penélope

Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz met on the set of the film Jamón Jamón in 1992 when Penélope was just 16, and Javier was 23. Despite the obvious chemistry between them back then, nothing transpired since Penélope was underage, but the stage was set for future years.

They would go on to star alongside each other in three other films and 16 years later, their professional relationship turned hotly romantic during the filming of Vicky Cristina Barcelona in 2008. The film’s success was quantifiably enhanced by the real onscreen chemistry between the couple. Javier told GQ UK years later:

“There was obvious chemistry between us. I mean, it’s all there on film; it’s like a document of our passion. One day we’re going to have to show the kids – imagine! ‘Mummy, Daddy, what did you do in the movies together?’- ‘Well, my children, you should celebrate this movie as you’re here because of it!’”

The couple kept their relationship as private as possible, and it was only in 2010 that they made their first public appearance together at the Goya Awards Gala in Madrid, Spain, where Penélope was nominated for the best actress award for her role in Broken Embraces.

They went on to marry at a friend’s private home in the Bahamas in July 2010, and in 2011, their son Leo Encinas Cruz was born, followed by their daughter Luna Encinas Cruz in 2013. They settled in the suburbs of Madrid, Spain – away from the paparazzi – and this has given them a relatively normal life.

After 14 years of marriage, Javier has often spoken openly during his acceptance speeches at award ceremonies of his deep love for Penélope. He has also said that their marriage has remained strong because they’ve been able to maintain a healthy perspective on things. The couple collaborate on projects together, and while they enjoy working with each other, they don’t necessarily make a point of doing so. The movies they’ve made together include The Counselor and Everybody Knows.

In 2022, Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz joined an elite list of six married couples who have been nominated for acting Oscars together in the same year—Javier for best actor for playing Desi Arnaz in Being the Ricardos, and Penélope for best actress for her role in Parallel Mothers. After the nominations came out, Bardem said:

“I couldn’t be happier to share this celebration with my talented wife, Penélope.”

Acknowledgments: Town and Country UK; Theknot.com