Penelope Cruz’s Appearance at Festival Leaves Fans in Awe of 52-Year-Old Actress

Penelope Cruz had heads turning when she showed up on the red carpet at the 74th San Sebastian International Film Festival.

Cruz attended the festival at the Victoria Eugenia Theater in Spain on Sept. 19 and Sept. 20 to promote her latest films The Invite and La bola negra. And the actress brought out the glam with two stunning looks.

Her first look that had people talking was a dramatic black dress by South Korean-born designer Miss Sohee. The sparkling number featured a strapless, fitted bodice and a short skirt covered in elaborate embroidery. Silver detailing created shimmering floral motifs, while the upper portion had a textured, almost scale-like effect.

The design also incorporated draped black silk, giving the strapless silhouette a more sculptural appearance.

Cruz accessorized with a matching clutch and jewelry from Zoya, including eye-catching statement earrings and a bracelet. She completed the outfit with black strappy sandals featuring a substantial platform and ankle fastening. The combination gave the short couture-style dress a glamorous, highly embellished finish.

Many fans commented on how amazing the Spanish star looked on the carpet, writing, “Absolutely gorgeous,” “She looks great,” “She has always had a unique beauty,” and “Our beautiful Penelope is incredible!”

For her second red-carpet appearance, Cruz changed direction completely, opting for a long black Chanel evening gown as she attended the presentation of La bola negra on Sept. 20.

The actress, who is a Chanel ambassador, donned a voluminous Look 77 from Chanel’s Cruise 2026/27 collection. It featured a deep V-neckline and structured short sleeves with prominent ruffles. A feather detail positioned at the center of the neckline added movement and texture to the ensemble. The long, layered skirt and substantial volume created a couture-inspired silhouette for the San Sebastian red carpet.

She wore her medium-length hair straight with a side part, while her makeup emphasized her eyes and used neutral tones on her lips.

Cruz’s appearance in the gown marked one of the earliest looks of the collection created under Chanel creative director Matthieu Blazy. She recently rocked a red custom Chanel number to the premiere of Bunker at the 83rd Venice Film Festival. 

Following the event, some started to inquire about the 52-year-old’s diet and beauty secrets.

She previously told Elle India that she gets “seven or eight hours of sleep,” “takes some natural supplements,” “exercises,” and eats healthy. Her breakfast consists of an organic protein shake, oatmeal or avocado toast, eggs or fruit, and arabica organic coffee with almond milk.”

Throughout the rest of the day, Cruz eats more “vegetables, some protein, and a small portion of carbs. I eat very healthy all the time … I just like being healthy. It’s more like a Mediterranean diet but not too many carbs or sugar.”