Penélope Cruz has offered a rare glimpse into her family life with husband Javier Bardem, discussing their decision to raise their two children in Madrid. In an interview with Perfect magazine, Cruz, 52, explained why returning to their native Spain was the right choice for their family.
Cruz and Bardem, who have been married for 16 years, are parents to son Leo, 15, and daughter Luna, 12. Although both actors achieved significant success in Hollywood, spending years living in Los Angeles, New York, and London, they chose to move back to Madrid in 2013. Cruz stated that being close to family and childhood friends in Spain makes it easier to maintain a sense of normalcy and privacy for their children.
"All our families are there, and the friends from childhood and from our teenage years; it’s easier to have a normal life, you know?" Cruz told the publication. She emphasized the importance of protecting children and allowing them the freedom to develop without excessive exposure at a young age.
Bardem has also spoken about prioritizing family, previously revealing that he turns down roles that would require him to be away from his family for more than two weeks. The couple has maintained a commitment to ensure at least one parent is present at home since the birth of their first child.
Cruz won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," while Bardem received the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance in "No Country for Old Men." Bardem also appeared as the villain Raoul Silva in the 2012 James Bond film "Skyfall."