Chapter 216: Spanish Siren

As the Cannes Film Festival came to a close, the award ceremony in the Lumiere Theater at the Palais des Festivals also concluded perfectly.

The Palme d'Or went to the British film The Wind That Shakes the Barley;

Best Director was awarded to Mexican director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu for the American film Babel;

Best Actor went to the French film Days of Glory with five recipients: Jamel Debbouze, Samy Naceri, Roschdy Zem, Sami Bouajila, and Bernard Blancan;

Best Actress was awarded to six actresses from the Spanish film Volver: Penelope Cruz, Carmen Maura, Lola Duenas, Blanca Portillo, Yohana Cobo, and Chus Lampreave.

After the Cannes Film Festival, Charles attended the charity gala supported by the American Foundation for AIDS Research, themed "Cinema Against AIDS."

Actresses from various countries attended in glamorous outfits. Capet Pictures purchased the North American distribution rights for the Spanish film Volver. Charles specifically walked the red carpet with Penelope Cruz, the sexy star of Volver.

As a European sex symbol, Penelope Cruz paved her way into Hollywood with her beauty and sensuality.

She had been linked with Matt Damon, Matthew McConaughey, and Nicolas Cage, and her previous boyfriend was Tom Cruise!

Penelope Cruz clung to Charles' arm, looking very excited, pressing her body tightly against him.

Monica Bellucci, and other jury members of this festival were also present.

Michelle Yeoh, with her French billionaire fiance Jean Todt, one of Ferrari's executive directors, also attended the charity fashion gala.

However, short and chubby Jean Todt with Michelle Yeoh looked more like a father-daughter pair than a couple.

Babel's leading actress Cate Blanchett attended in a stunning outfit, while the movie's leading man, Brad Pitt, was in Africa with Angelina Jolie, who was expecting.

Charles and Penelope Cruz found a seat only to realize the host was Sharon Stone.

"I remember this charity gala was started by Elizabeth Taylor, right? She used to host it for the past few years, so why the change?" Charles asked Penelope Cruz in confusion.

"Charles, Ms. Taylor is getting older. Her legs and feet aren't very agile anymore, so she handed the hosting duties to Sharon Stone this year," said the 32-year-old Penelope Cruz, showcasing the sizzling charm of a Spanish siren.

"I see," Charles nodded, then congratulated Cruz, "Your performance in Volver was exceptional, and you deserved the award!"

The term "Latin beauty" and "Hollywood siren" perfectly fit Penelope Cruz.

"Cate Blanchett's performance in Babel was very impressive too," Penelope Cruz humbly said, looking at the tall Australian actress not far away.

"Charles, shall we go dance?" Penelope Cruz suddenly smiled and suggested.

Charles nodded, stood up, and led the lady to the dance floor. Her red low-cut dress made her look even more alluring and beautiful.

"Charles, are you going back to Los Angeles after this?" Cruz asked while holding Charles.

Charles shook his head, "I need to make a trip to Asia. What about you?"

"I have a romantic comedy to shoot, probably in the UK!" Cruz explained with a smile.

"Volver has swept the European awards and getting into the Oscar nominations wouldn't be difficult," Charles said.

"Really? Charles, can I really get an Oscar nomination?" Penelope Cruz always had a deep and persistent chase for the Oscars.

"Volver's North American distribution rights are with Capet Pictures. The promotion and marketing will depend on our resources and investment," Charles reassured her.

"Don't worry, I have faith in you," Charles said, giving her waist a reassuring squeeze.

"Charles, let's find a quiet place to discuss this movie further. Or perhaps, I also want to hear your thoughts on cinema," suggested Penelope Cruz, her eyes fixed on him.

Charles looked at Penelope Cruz and nodded with a smile.

Penelope Cruz and Charles Capet left the banquet hall and moved to a nearby VIP room. Charles held Penelope Cruz as they sat on the sofa together.

"Best Actress at the Goya Awards, Best Actress at the David di Donatello Awards, and now Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival. It seems like you've swept all the European film awards," Charles praised Penelope Cruz while gently caressing her face.

"I also hope to stand on the Oscars stage like Reese Witherspoon, but even getting a nomination would be great!" Penelope Cruz leaned against Charles, dreaming that her film Volver might achieve some success at the Oscars.

Charles slipped his hand into her V-neck, feeling her fullness, and said with a smile, "That Spanish movie Jamon Jamon, which was your debut, left a memorable impression."

"That was an emotional film I shot when I was 18, working with Javier Bardem, and it was my first feature film," Penelope Cruz let Charles better grasp her bosom as she leaned in more.

Charles then kissed Penelope Cruz's plush lips, causing her dress to slip off her shoulders. After their passionate kiss ended, Penelope got a bit emotional and eagerly held Charles's head, pressing it to her chest.

After kissing her chest for a short while, Charles whispered into her ear, "Do you believe I can help you get a Best Actress nomination at next year's Oscars?"

Penelope Cruz's eyes sparkled as she responded softly into his ear, "Tonight, I want to go to your room and discuss the Oscars!"

"Are we heading back to the banquet now?" Charles had lost interest in such gatherings long ago.

"Charles, of course you're not interested, but we actors need exposure. There are many filmmakers and entrepreneurs there whom I need to know," Penelope Cruz, despite being a top star in Spain, was still trying to make her mark in Hollywood.

"Alright then!" Charles pouted reluctantly.

Penelope Cruz smiled, unbuckling Charles's belt and then lowering herself to service him.

After a while, Penelope Cruz stood up, swallowed a few times, and started fixing her evening gown and makeup. She teased Charles, who was also fixing his clothes, "Satisfied now? I'll keep you company tonight!"

"You are amazing!" Charles gave her a thumbs up after tidying up.

It had only been about forty minutes since Charles and Penelope Cruz left the banquet hall. When they returned, nobody noticed anything unusual.

Of course, if Penelope Cruz kissed anyone, they would probably notice!

As a star, Penelope Cruz needed to expand her contacts and connect with more producers, directors, and film investors. People like Charles were naturally the types female stars liked to cozy up to.

*****

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