The Fire Within

Penelope Cruz's big break in Spanish film came in 1992's Jamon, jamon. 1992 also witnessed her first foray onto international screens, with her role in Belle Epoque -- a massive success that garnered eight Goya Awards (Spanish Oscars), as well as an Oscar for Best Foreign Film. It was with Belle Epoque that Penelope's star power received its first worldwide exposure. She has a knack for disregarding gossip and focusing her energy on her career and personal happiness instead. Of course, the more famous she got the more gossip there was, but she was strong enough to not let it bother her.