Penélope Cruz, praised by the French culture minister as a great European actress, has been proclaimed a knight in the Order of Arts and Letters, The Associated Press reported. At ceremonies in Paris attended by Salma Hayek, her co-star in "Bandidas," a new movie Ms. Cruz is promoting, Culture Minister said, "It's France's role to be the ardent defender of cultural diversity and to recognize those who extend, with their talent, the culture of their country." Penelope Cruz's career includes roles in French, English, Italian and her native Spanish. Bandidas Previews: In Mexico in the late 1800s, two women who are total opposites team up and rob banks in order to combat a ruthless enforcer terrorizing their town. Sarah (Salma Hayek) is a European-educated sophisticate while Maria (Penelope Cruz) is a tough peasant.
January 2006
