The Sacred Rule: Everything About Penélope Cruz's Two Children, Leo And Luna (Updated 2025)

One of Hollywood's most private and powerful couples, Academy Award winners Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem, have successfully shielded their two children from the intense glare of the public eye, a feat almost unheard of in the modern celebrity landscape. As of December 2025, their son Leo is 14 and their daughter Luna is 11, and the rare glimpses into their family life reveal a commitment to a remarkably normal, screen-free childhood, a choice Cruz has recently defended in high-profile interviews. This deep dive explores the lives of their children, their unique upbringing, and the "sacred rule" that governs their family.

The Spanish power couple, known for their fiery on-screen chemistry in films like *Vicky Cristina Barcelona*, have established a firm boundary between their celebrated careers and their personal lives. Their children, Leo and Luna, are rarely photographed and never discussed in detail, allowing them to grow up away from the pressures and scrutiny that often plague celebrity offspring. This protective stance is central to understanding the Bardem-Cruz family dynamic.

Penélope Cruz: A Brief Profile and Family Background

Penélope Cruz Sánchez is a globally recognized Spanish actress, celebrated for her versatility in both Spanish and English-language cinema. She is the first Spanish actress to win an Academy Award, which she earned for her role as María Elena in *Vicky Cristina Barcelona* in 2008. Her career is intrinsically linked to Spanish auteur Pedro Almodóvar, with whom she has collaborated on multiple acclaimed projects.

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• Full Name: Penélope Cruz Sánchez
• Date of Birth: April 28, 1974
• Place of Birth: Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain
• Parents: Encarna Sánchez (hairdresser) and Eduardo Cruz (retailer)
• Siblings: Mónica Cruz (actress/dancer), Eduardo Cruz (singer), and a half-sister, Salma Cruz.
• Spouse: Javier Bardem (m. 2010)
• Children: Leo Encinas Cruz and Luna Encinas Cruz
• Key Accolades: Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress), three Goya Awards, a BAFTA Award.
• Notable Films: *Jamón Jamón*, *Vicky Cristina Barcelona*, *Volver*, *Parallel Mothers*, *Nine*, *Blow*.

Meet Leo and Luna: The Children of Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem

Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem share two children, a son and a daughter, both born in the 2010s. The couple has been meticulous about keeping their children’s lives private, going so far as to ensure they are never photographed or named in the press without their express consent.

Leo Encinas Cruz: The Eldest Son

Leo, the couple’s first child, was born on January 22, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. As of late 2025, Leo is 14 years old. His full name is Leo Encinas Cruz. The name "Encinas" is Javier Bardem's first maternal surname, following the Spanish naming tradition where children often take both parental surnames. His birth was a private affair, with the official announcement being understated and brief.

Luna Encinas Cruz: The Younger Daughter

Luna, the second child, was born on July 22, 2013, in Madrid, Spain. As of late 2025, Luna is 11 years old. Her full name is Luna Encinas Cruz. Her birth in Madrid underscored the couple's strong ties to their native Spain, where they spend a significant amount of time raising their family. Cruz has often spoken about how becoming a mother completely changed her perspective, describing it as a beautiful, transformative experience.

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The "No-Screen" Sacred Rule and Strict Approach to Privacy

The most recent and compelling information about the Cruz-Bardem family centers on their highly restrictive, yet increasingly common, parenting philosophy regarding technology. In a February 2024 interview with *ELLE* magazine, Cruz was candid about the "sacred rule" she and Bardem enforce to protect their children.

No Cell Phones or Social Media

Cruz revealed that neither Leo nor Luna are permitted to have cell phones or engage with social media. "There is no social media for them until they are at least 16," Cruz stated. She emphasized that her goal is to protect their mental health, noting that she views social media as a dangerous "experiment" on the developing brains of adolescents.

This strict boundary is a direct result of Cruz's own observations about the negative effects of technology on young people. She openly admitted that she feels a strong sense of responsibility to shield her children from the potential dangers of online exposure and the constant comparison culture fostered by platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

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A Commitment to Anonymity

The couple's dedication to privacy extends beyond screens. Both Cruz and Bardem adhere to a strict policy of never discussing their children's lives or sharing their photos publicly. This decision, they have explained, is entirely for the benefit of Leo and Luna, ensuring they have the right to choose their own public presence once they are adults.

This commitment to anonymity is a clear statement on their parenting values, prioritizing a grounded, private upbringing over the benefits of celebrity exposure. The children are primarily raised in Spain, away from the Hollywood spotlight, which further aids their goal of a normal childhood.

The Family Dynamic: Balancing Two Oscar-Winning Careers

Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem first met on the set of the Spanish film *Jamón Jamón* in 1992, but their romantic relationship didn't begin until years later while filming *Vicky Cristina Barcelona* (2008), for which Cruz won her Oscar. They married in a private ceremony in the Bahamas in July 2010.

Despite being two of the most sought-after actors in the world, the couple makes a concerted effort to balance their demanding careers with their family life. They often take turns working on projects to ensure one parent is always present with the children. Their occasional joint projects, such as *Everybody Knows* (2018), allow them to work together while minimizing time away from home.

The couple's shared Spanish heritage and commitment to their roots in Madrid provide a stable and culturally rich environment for Leo and Luna. Their family life is a testament to the fact that even global superstars can maintain a fiercely private and grounded existence for their children, a choice that continues to resonate with fans and parenting experts alike. Their focus remains on providing a childhood free of digital pressure, allowing Leo and Luna to simply be kids.