Fashion
Sexiest Woman Alive Penelope Cruz's 20 Greatest Red Carpet Looks That Further Prove She Earned Her Title
Though editorial rankings like People's Most Beautiful or Esquire's Sexiest Woman Alive occasionally elicit baffled reactions thanks to left field choices, there are some election results one simply can't argue with. When Esquire chose Penelope Cruz as 2014's Sexiest Woman Alive, the designation was both inarguable and puzzling. Of course Penelope Cruz is a beacon of glamour and beauty, but why is she receiving this recognition now? And does this nomination signify that Hollywood is finally mature enough to honor women over 30, instead of lasciviously mooning over 19-year-old actresses and models? In any case, my respect for Esquire has certainly increased a few notches with this announcement. In honor of Ms. Cruz's new title, here are the actress's most enrapturing red carpet looks.
In A White Slit Gown, 2001
Cruz selected a simple but impactful white gown for a red carpet appearance alongside costar and then-love Tom Cruise in 2001.
In A Black Dior Haute Couture Gown At The 2003 Cannes Film Festival
Long before Jennifer Lawrence became the couturier’s client, Cruz dominated the red carpet in Dior Haute Couture. Cruz’s Dior gown overshadowed all others at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival. The gown’s sultry, off-the-shoulder design, its opulent beaded accents, and Cruz’s statement choker necklace lent themselves to a truly unforgettable look.
At The "Don't Tempt Me" Premiere In 2003
Cruz quite literally took on the role of silver screen siren in a silk halter gown at the 2003 premiere of her film Don’t Tempt Me.
In Valentino, 2004
Does this rosette-embellished, rouge Valentino gown look familiar? Not only did Cruz wear the gown to much critical esteem in 2004, Anne Hathaway wore a similar version to host the 2011 Oscars.
In Red At A 2004 Red Carpet Event
Cruz decided early on that crimson was one of her signature hues, and based on the red carpet looks that followed, her choice was understandable.
At The 2005 Oscars In Oscar de la Renta
No one but Penelope Cruz could pull off an iridescent yellow silk Oscar de la Renta gown like this one.
In A Pastel Silk Beaded Gown At An amFAR Event, 2005
Cruz looked every bit a member of Hollywood royalty in this pale, beaded strapless bustier gown.
In A Single-Shoulder Silk Gown, 2005
Perhaps the true criteria for being nominated “Sexiest Woman Alive” is the ability to look sultry while interacting with a camel. Cruz of course took the challenge in stride.
In An Emerald Gown At Vanity Fair's Oscar Party, 2005
Cruz paired emerald with emeralds at the 2005 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, to eye-popping effect.
In A Draped Peach Gown At The 2006 Golden Globes
Voluminous locks and draped peach silk gave Cruz an unabashedly ’60s vibe at the 2006 Golden Globes.
At The 2007 Oscars In Atelier Versace
This whimsical Atelier Versace gown, worn by Cruz to the 2007 Oscars, caused a minor traffic jam on the red carpet due to the unprecedented number of double-takes.
In Versace, 2007
Cruz appeared especially sultry in this corset-laced navy and black Versace gown in 2007.
In Vintage Balmain At The 2009 Oscars
This particularly regal, Grace Kelly-worthy Balmain confection was Cruz’s golden ticket at the 2009 Oscars.
In A Burgundy Donna Karan Gown At The 2010 Oscars
The actress outshone the red carpet itself in a ruched burgundy Donna Karan gown at the 2010 Oscars.
In A Black Lace Gown At The 2010 Golden Globes
Even scattered showers didn’t dull Cruz’s radiant glow in a black lace gown at the 2010 Golden globes.
In A Silk Halter Gown, 2010
Cruz once again proved that basic is anything but boring in a floral patterned silk halter gown for a 2010 Martini-sponsored event.
In Sequined L'Wren Scott At The 2011 Oscars
The new mom radiated confidence and beauty in sequined crimson L’Wren Scott at the 2011 Oscars.
In A Tiered Black Gown, 2011
The actress achieved maximum sartorial impact in this tiered black gown.
In Giorgio Armani At The 2012 Oscars
The actress earned mixed reviews for her simple Giorgio Armani Oscars evening gown, but nevertheless looked a stunning as ever.
In Giambattista Valli At The 2014 Oscars
Though Perez Hilton had a few barbs to aim at Cruz’s draped Giambattista Valli 2014 Oscars gown, the actress looked nothing less than elegant in the design.
