Spain's pride Penelope Cruz received praises from both the movie and fashion press at the premiere of her latest movie Non Ti Mouvere in London. The 30-year-old brunette appeared in a sequined John Galliano dress with her highlighted hair combed back in a ponytail.

 In the new movie, which is translated as “Don’t Move”, the Madrid-born beauty played the role of a destitute woman of gypsy stock who falls in love with a married doctor.

The actress used to spend 30 minutes each day to put make-up on to transform her glamorous image into the “pathetic clown”. She stopped shaving her legs and armpits for her role and had to wear tarty outfits.

The film, based on the book of Margaret Mazzatini, tells a story of the woman by the name Italia who was raped by her own father as she was a child and is involved with the upper crust physician Timoteo, played by Sergio Castellito.

The movie shot in Rome has already won David di Donatello Best Actress award – the Italian equivalent of Oscars. Penelope spent a couple of months learning Italian.

"The reason I became an actress is so I can play all these different characters," she told BBC about her controversial role.

"If they need to be ugly, if I have to not shave my legs or shave my head - I'll do whatever the character needs.

"People try to give me extra credit for not being afraid to look ugly, but it's a great opportunity for me."

During her interview, the star refused to talk about her romance with Sahara co-star Matthew McConaughey or any other aspect of her private life.

"I don't get defensive when somebody asks but I never answer," said Cruz.