The filmmaker praises Cruz’s powerful and vulnerable performance in The Bride!, while the Oscar-winning actress also shares her admiration for Gyllenhaal’s direction.

Maggie Gyllenhaal has heaped praise on Penelope Cruz, describing the Spanish actress as one of the few truly brilliant performers in the film industry.

The 48-year-old actress-turned-director, who worked with Cruz in The Bride!, shared her admiration during an interview with The Perfect magazine.

“I think there are many, many good actors, and I think there are a tiny handful of brilliant actors, and I think that Penelope Cruz is one of them,” Gyllenhaal said.

She described Cruz as an extraordinary combination of strength, vulnerability and intelligence, praising her ability to bring unpredictable emotions to her performances.

Gyllenhaal was particularly impressed by Cruz’s portrayal of Myrna Malloy, a police detective working in Chicago in the film.

She explained that although the character needed to control her emotions to survive, Cruz conveyed deep feelings beneath the surface throughout her performance.

Cruz also shared positive comments about working with Gyllenhaal, praising her abilities as both a director and writer.

“I think she’s an incredible director and writer. She did something that is so modern, so rock ‘n’ roll, but still with so many layers, so much depth, so much humour and emotion,” the Oscar-winning actress said.

The Bride! was released in cinemas on 6 March 2026, bringing together the two acclaimed actresses in a creative collaboration.