Javier Bardem, a Spanish actor, is widely recognized in world cinema for his exceptional work in both Spanish and English films. Coming from a family of film personalities, Bardem initially aspired to be a painter but later pursued a career in acting. Despite his early success in Spanish cinema, it was his ability to speak English that opened doors for him in Hollywood. Bardem made history as the first Spanish actor to receive an ‘Oscar’ nomination for ‘Best Actor’ and is acclaimed for his remarkable performance in the critically acclaimed film ‘No Country for Old Men’.
Quick Facts
- Name: Javier Ángel Encinas Bardem
- Age: 54 Years
- Born in: Spain
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex: Penélope Cruz
- Father: Carlos Encinas
- Mother: Pilar Bardem
- Siblings: Carlos Bardem, Mónica Bardem
- Children: Leo Encinas Cruz, Luna Encinas Cruz
- Height: 5’11” (180 cm)
Childhood & Early Life
Javier Bardem was born Javier Angel Encinas Bardem on 1 March 1969, in the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands of Spain, to Jose Carlos Encinas Doussinague and Pilar Bardem. His father was a businessman, while his mother is an actress. Due to his family’s association with the Spanish film industry for many generations, Bardem grew up among those associated with films. In spite of having an interest in films, he wanted to become a painter. He was only six years old when he appeared in his first film ‘El Picaro.’
Bardem studied at ‘Escuela de Artes y Oficios’ in order to get trained as a painter. In fact, he did start off as a painter, but did not find the kind of success he was hoping for. When he struggled with his finances, he started taking up acting jobs. In 1989, he appeared on the TV show ‘The Day Ahead’ on Spanish television. Subsequently, he decided to give up on his painting career.
Career
When Bardem was 20 years old, he appeared in a film titled ‘The Ages of Lulu.’ His performance in the film earned him a role in the film ‘Jamon Jamon,’ which released in 1992. ‘Jamon Jamon’ was a major success and Bardem became popular for his acting skills. The following year, he also starred in the film ‘Golden Balls.’ Bardem’s work in Spanish cinema was noticed by Hollywood and English-language filmmakers. When he received opportunities to act in English-language films, he had to turn down the offers as his English was not up to the mark. After taking English lessons, he starred in the film ‘Perdita Durango’ in 1997. In the ensuing years, he continued to work in Spanish films.
Javier Bardem was cast to play the lead role of ‘Reinaldo Arenas’ in the biographical film ‘Before Night Falls’ which released in the year 2000. His performance was praised by the critics and fellow actors alike. The film turned out to be his big breakthrough as he received an ‘Academy Award’ nomination for ‘Best Actor.’ Two years later, he starred in the film ‘The Dancer Upstairs’ in which he played the role of a detective.
Javier Bardem’s next project was the Spanish film ‘Mar Adentro’ in 2004. The film was released in the United States under the title ‘The Sea Inside’ and the actor’s performance as a euthanasia activist brought him plenty of accolades. The same year, Bardem was also cast to play the role of a gangster in the film ‘Collateral.’ 2007 turned out to be an important year in Javier Bardem’s career as he starred in films like ‘No Country for Old Men’ and ‘Love in the Time of Cholera.’ Bardem’s portrayal of ‘Anton Chigurh’ in ‘No Country for Old Men’ was widely appreciated and earned him worldwide recognition. ‘Anton Chigurh’ has been widely regarded as one of the most iconic villains of Hollywood.
In 2008, Bardem starred alongside Penelope Cruz and Scarlett Johansson in Woody Allen’s ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona.’ Bardem’s next big project was the Spanish film ‘Biutiful.’ His performance in the film was widely appreciated. It also earned him a ‘Best Actor’ nomination at the ‘Academy Awards,’ making him the first actor to be nominated for the award in spite of delivering an entirely Spanish-language performance. In 2012, Javier Bardem was cast as the main antagonist in the Bond film ‘Skyfall’ and his performance was well received by critics and audiences alike. He followed it up with his impressive performance in the film ‘Sons of the Clouds: The Last Colony.’ From 2013 to 2016, he was seen in a number of movies, including ‘The Counselor,’ ‘Autómata,’ ‘The Gunman,’ and ‘The Last Face.’ In 2017, he portrayed the main antagonist in the fifth installment of the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movie series ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.’ The same year, he was also seen alongside Jennifer Lawrence and Michelle Pfeiffer in the horror movie ‘Mother!’
Major Works
Javier Bardem has delivered impressive performances, playing a variety of roles throughout his career. His role in the 2007 film ‘No Country for Old Men’ is undoubtedly his most important work in his career so far. He received the ‘Academy Award’ for ‘Best Supporting Actor’ for his role.
Awards & Achievements
In 2008, Javier Bardem won the ‘Academy Award’ for ‘Best Supporting Actor’ as well as the ‘BAFTA Award’ and ‘Golden Globe Award’ in the ‘Best Supporting Actor’ categories for his role in the film ‘No Country for Old Men.’ Bardem won the award for ‘Best Actor’ at the prestigious ‘Cannes Film Festival’ in 2010 for his role in the film ‘Biutiful.’
Personal Life & Legacy
Javier Bardem got married to Penelope Cruz in the year 2010 after three years of courtship. They have a son and a daughter.