ALL IN HER TIME

The new ambassador for the Chanel J12 watch, Penélope Cruz, reflects on how her priorities have shifted with the passing of time

- Renée Batchelor

From arthouse films to Hollywood blockbusters, Penélope Cruz has established herself as one of the most successful crossover actors, starring in both English and Spanish-language films, and scooping up a slew of awards including an Oscar, a BAFTA and a string of European film awards in her career of 30 plus years. A muse to Pedro Almodóvar, who directed her in hits such as All About My Mother (1999), and beloved by the late Karl Lagerfeld-who first photographed her as the face of the Chanel cruise 2018 collection-it is easy to see why audiences, filmmakers and designer alike have fallen in love with the captivating actress.

Since becoming a mother, Cruz's focus has shifted: she is now more discerning about the roles she takes on, preferring to accept fewer roles in order to spend time with her two children with her husband of 13 years, Spanish actor Javier Bardem. Still, the prestige projects seem to find her. She will next appear in Michael Mann's Ferrari, a biopic of the racing mogul, alongside Adam Driver in the titular role, as his wife, Laura Ferrari.

As one of the faces of Chanel's J12, Cruz stars in its newest campaign alongside a bevy of international stars: Margot Robbie, Ali MacGraw, Zhou Xun and Kim Go Eun. She reflects on her relationship with time, and why spending it wisely has become so important to her.

People often use an expression “to have time”. However, time can’t be owned. Do you feel that you have time in your daily life?