Two of the most recognizable Hispanic actors in cinema- Antonio Banderas and Penelope Cruz- recently collaborated together on the Oscar-nominated film Pain and Glory. Both actors have appeared in a ton of English and Spanish films throughout their careers, yet they only recently appeared in a few films together. Fortunately, Pain and Glory is not their last time collaborating on screen, as Spanish Production company MediaPro announced that the Latino stars will be appearing in a new film together.
The film, known as Competencia Oficial, comes from Argentinian filmmakers Mariano Cohn and Gastón Duprat, best known for 2010’s The Man Next Door. Competencia Oficial will see Banderas play an actor for an upcoming film directed by a well respected filmmaker, played by Cruz. Banderas will also be playing off against Oscar Martínez, who plays another actor who takes issue with Banderas’ method acting techniques. Filming will begin this February in Spain.
Latino audiences will certainly be interested in Banderas and Cruz’s collaborating on a film again as, outside Pain and Glory, they both made cameo appearances in the 2013 comedy, I’m So Excited. Not much else has been stated about Competencia Oficial, given it being early in development, but it should be assumed that more information will come out closer to its release date. Regardless, Banderas and Cruz are a good addition to this upcoming film and hopefully it will be as recognized as Pain and Glory, allowing Cruz and Banderas to receive another possible Oscar nomination as well.