Penelope Cruz: First Spanish actress to win Oscar

Penelope Cruz: First Spanish actress to win Oscar

Penelope Cruz is the first Spanish actress, who won the best supporting actress Academy Award on Sunday for her fiery, funny role in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona". She has played the role of Maria Elena in the romantic comedy movie.

After receiving the award, Cruz said, "You have to keep climbing mountains".

The 34 year old Penelope Cruz thanked both Allen and Spanish film director Pedro Almodovar.

Cruz said, "Thank you Woody for trusting me with this beautiful character. Thank you for having written over all these years some of the greatest characters for women".

Cruz also said, "I grew up in a place called Alcobendas, where this was not a very realistic dream".

Penelope Cruz was nominated for a best actress Oscar in 2006 for "Volver".

The actress delivered part of her acceptance speech in Spanish, saying the win was for actors from her home country and others in Spain.

Penelope Cruz has also won a BAFTA for her role in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" this year.