Penélope Cruz is speaking out for the first time about the sexual abuse allegations against filmmaker Woody Allen, nearly 10 years after she won the best-supporting-actress Oscar for his film Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
“The only answer that I can give you with common sense that is not about a headline is, the case has to be looked at again,” said Cruz at the 11th annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic at New Jerseys Liberty State Park on Saturday. “The important thing is, if there is a case anywhere in the world that isnt clear, then why not look at it again? I am in favor of that.”
By contrast, Cruzs husband, Javier Bardem, said this spring that he supports Allen despite the ongoing controversy, and that he is “absolutely not” ashamed to have worked with Allen on Vicky Cristina Barcelona. (Allen, meanwhile, has repeatedly denied the allegations.) But though he and, now, Cruz have given their opinions about Allen, Cruz also strongly believes the public should not focus on the actors who have spoken out against the director, or have expressed regrets about working with him.
“We have a collection of headlines saying this actor would work with him again, and this one said they wouldnt—this doesnt change anything,” said Cruz, who also appeared in Allens 2012 comedy, To Rome with Love. “This doesnt add anything good to the situation. Were supposed to believe in justice, and this was looked at years ago, and its not clear. It should be looked at again, and then I can give an answer.”
Cruz also reunited with Darren Criss at the lavish afternoon polo match, her co-star in American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace. Both are top Emmy contenders for their work in the FX limited series, which has been praised by critics—though Cruz isnt sure whether the real Donatella Versace, whom she played in Versace, has watched her emotional performance.
“I dont know if she has seen it, because I think its a tricky subject,” Cruz said. “But she sent me flowers as good luck at the premiere. I sent things to her, and we both talk about each other. Somebody asked her in Spain during an interview, and she talked a little about me with affection, so thats very important for me that she knows that I have played her with a lot of respect.”
Cruz also said that the role of the famed designer, whom she has met only four or five times at parties, was one of the most “challenging” performances in her career.
“I have a lot of respect and affection for her, so I was very intimidated by the idea of playing her. I wanted to show that shes a force of nature that she is,” said Cruz. “So when I talked to [Versace show-runner] Ryan [Murphy], I knew he wanted to do the same. I talked to Donatella and she said, If someone is going to play me, Im happy that it is you. So it was like her blessing for me to do it.”
Cruzs dramatic physical transformation, meanwhile—which required multiple blonde wigs to replicate Donatellas iconic platinum hair—was the least stressful aspect of embodying the character.
“Ive been blonde before for other projects, so I wasnt very shocked when I saw myself with the wig on,” she said with a smile. “I liked it!”
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