Penelope Cruz studied classical ballet for nine years in Spain before turning her hand to TV. She first became a television presenter before becoming acting roles in Spanish films such as Jamon Jamon. Her international breakthrough role came in Vanilla Sky with Tom Cruise and Penelope in 2006 was nominated for an Oscar or best actor in the acclaimed film Volver. She won best actress for the role at the Cannes Film Festival. Penelope is very involved in human rights campaigns, presentation at Live Earth in July 2007 and another two months volunteering in Uganda in 1997.