It turns out that cute Spanish accent and heap of chocolate locks are once again getting the recognition they deserve – Penelope Cruz has been named Esquire’s Sexiest Woman Alive.
In a visual validation of the judge’s decision, the mother-of-two is smouldering on the magazine cover in a black swimsuit with a neckline that, in an unorthodox turn of events, plunges all the way down to her waist.
With her olive skin and dark hair, Penelope couldn’t be more of a departure from milk-skinned Scarlett Johansson, who’s bagged the award for the past two years.
At 40, Cruzy is the 11th woman to have won the title – Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry, Rihanna and Charlize Theron have all gained the accolade in the past.
The Blow star has two children with her actor husband Javier Bardem – a son Leonardo and a daughter Luna, who was born only last year. Not that you’d guess from the sexy shot.
Sigh. Those Spaniards have it so easy.