Spanish actress Penélope Cruz graces the cover of V Magazine’s winter issue, surprising fans with a dramatic transformation. For the publication’s 163rd issue, she posed with a short blonde bob. The lighter hair colour and new hairstyle have transformed her appearance so much that she is almost unrecognisable at first glance.

The photoshoot was captured by Álvaro Beumud Cortés. Joining Penélope on the pages of the magazine is Spanish musician Guitarricadelafuente, whose real name is Álvaro Lafuente.

The two also star together in «La bola negra», a film directed by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi.

Cruz plays Nene Romero, a cabaret star who becomes a symbol of hope for a young man against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War. The film marks Guitarricadelafuente’s acting debut. In an interview, the musician admitted that he was initially nervous about having no previous film experience. However, the directors recognised his potential and cast him while the screenplay was still being written.

The film’s plot is partly inspired by an unfinished play by Spanish poet Federico García Lorca. It weaves together the stories of three men living in different eras – 1932, 1937 and 2017. Through their experiences, the filmmakers explore profound themes of freedom, love and the right to be oneself.

At the 79th Cannes Film Festival, the film received the Best Director award. Its Spanish directors, Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, shared the honour with Polish filmmaker Paweł Pawlikowski.

Photo: Instagram @vmagazine