The Sacred Rule: Inside Penelope Cruz And Javier Bardem's Ultra-Private Life Raising Their Two Kids

Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem are one of Hollywood’s most celebrated power couples, yet they maintain a fiercely private family life, especially when it comes to their two children. As of December 2025, the Oscar-winning Spanish actress continues to uphold a "sacred rule" to protect her son, Leo, and daughter, Luna, from the intense glare of the celebrity spotlight, a decision that offers a fascinating look into their unique approach to parenting.

This deep dive explores the current lives of Penelope Cruz's kids, their ages, the cultural values being instilled in them in Madrid, Spain, and the strict boundaries the couple has set around technology and public exposure, ensuring their childhood remains as normal as possible despite their parents' global fame.

Penelope Cruz: A Career of Accolades and a Fiercely Guarded Family Life

Penelope Cruz Sánchez, born on April 28, 1974, in Madrid, Spain, has built a legendary career as a Spanish actress. She is one of the few Spanish performers to achieve global superstardom and critical acclaim in Hollywood. Her biography is marked by numerous high-profile roles and significant awards.

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• Full Name: Penélope Cruz Sánchez
• Born: April 28, 1974 (Age 51 in 2025)
• Birthplace: Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain
• Spouse: Javier Bardem (m. 2010)
• Children: Leo Encinas Cruz and Luna Encinas Cruz
• Key Awards: Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (for Vicky Cristina Barcelona), three Goya Awards, the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival.
• Breakthrough Films: Jamon Jamon (1992), Belle Époque (1992).
• Notable Filmography: Vanilla Sky (2001), Blow (2001), Volver (2006), Nine (2009), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011), and Parallel Mothers (2021).
• Husband's Career: Her husband, Javier Bardem, is also an Academy Award-winning Spanish actor, known for roles in films like No Country for Old Men and Being the Ricardos.

The couple, who first met on the set of Jamon Jamon in 1992 and later reconnected for Vicky Cristina Barcelona, married in a private ceremony in the Bahamas in 2010. Their union created one of the most powerful and private celebrity families in the film industry.

Meet Leo and Luna: The Encinas Cruz Children's Current Ages and Names

Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem are parents to two children, a son and a daughter. Their names and birth details have been kept largely out of the public domain, a testament to the parents' commitment to privacy.

Leo Encinas Cruz: The Elder Child

• Name: Leo Encinas Cruz
• Born: January 2011
• Current Age (as of December 2025): 14 years old
• Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Leo was born in Los Angeles, though the family primarily resides in Spain. The couple's representatives confirmed the birth at the time, but details about the child's life have been extremely limited ever since.

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Luna Encinas Cruz: The Younger Child

• Name: Luna Encinas Cruz
• Born: July 22, 2013
• Current Age (as of December 2025): 12 years old
• Birthplace: Madrid, Spain

Luna was born in Madrid, Spain, further solidifying the family's roots in their home country. The name Luna, which means "moon" in Spanish, is a beautiful nod to their heritage. The children share the last name "Encinas Cruz," combining Javier Bardem's maternal surname (Encinas) and Penelope Cruz's paternal surname (Cruz), a common practice in Spanish naming conventions.

The 'Sacred Rule': Why Cruz's Kids Are Off-Limits to the Media

The most defining aspect of Penelope Cruz's parenting is her unwavering commitment to shielding her children from the negative aspects of fame. She has repeatedly referred to her approach as a "sacred rule" that she and Javier Bardem strictly follow.

This rule dictates that she will not discuss her children publicly, nor will she allow them to be photographed or become subjects of the media. This is a conscious effort to ensure they can have a normal upbringing away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi and the Hollywood ecosystem.

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No Cell Phones or Social Media Access

A major, and very current, component of their strict privacy policy is their stance on technology. In a 2024 interview, Cruz revealed that her children, even at 12 and 14 years old, do not have cell phones.

She is deeply concerned about the potential negative impact of social media and technology on developing minds. Cruz has stated that she believes she is protecting their mental health by restricting their access to the digital world until they are much older.

Her philosophy is that children should not be exposed to the toxic environment of social media, which she describes as an "experiment" with no protection for young people. This decision is seen as a strong, protective boundary in an age where most children receive smartphones at a much younger age.

Raising a Family in Madrid, Spain

The choice of where to raise their family is another crucial aspect of their private life. While they maintain homes in the U.S., Cruz and Bardem primarily reside in Madrid, Spain.

This decision allows them to immerse Leo and Luna in Spanish culture and values, far from the constant celebrity scrutiny that defines Los Angeles or New York. Bardem has explained that raising their family in Spain helps them maintain a sense of normalcy and connection to their roots.

The core values instilled in the children—hard work, humility, and the importance of family—were passed down from Cruz's own parents, a hairdresser and a merchant, who taught her to never take anything for granted. These foundational principles guide their parenting today.

The Future of Leo and Luna Encinas Cruz

As Leo and Luna enter their teenage years in late 2025, the couple's commitment to their privacy remains absolute. They are determined to let their children decide for themselves, when they are adults, whether they want to pursue a career in the entertainment industry or step into the public eye.

The children are growing up surrounded by extraordinary artistic talent, not just from their parents but also from their extended family, including Cruz's siblings, Monica and Eduardo Cruz, who are also involved in acting and music. Despite this artistic environment, there is no public pressure for Leo and Luna to follow in the footsteps of their Oscar-winning parents.

Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem's parenting strategy is a rare example of extreme dedication to a child's right to a private childhood in the modern world. By implementing the "sacred rule" and setting clear boundaries on technology, they are actively choosing their children's well-being and mental health over the demands of celebrity culture. This ongoing commitment ensures that Leo and Luna Encinas Cruz can grow up as grounded individuals, shielded from the very fame that defines their parents' lives.