Parallel Mothers

Penelope Cruz took home the best actress award at the Venice Film Festival, the latest success for the all-conquering queen of Spanish cinema.

Cruz won for her starring role in "Parallel Mothers", her latest collaboration with legendary Spanish director Pedro Almodovar.

The Venice Film Festival returns on Sept. 1 with an ultra-glitzy lineup, including the world premiere of sci-fi blockbuster "Dune" and Kristen Stewart's turn as Princess Diana, cementing its status as a serious rival to Cannes.

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Pedro Almodovar's "Madres Paralelas" (Parallel Mothers), starring the Spanish filmmaker's muses Penelope Cruz and Rossy De Palma, will open the 78th Venice Film Festival in September, organizers said July 19.