Ten fun facts about Javier Bardem

Fact 1
His full birth name is Javier Ángel Encinas Bardem.

Fact 2
In 2000, Javier Bardem was nominated for the Best Actor for the film “Before Night Falls”. He was the first Spanish actor to be nominated for an Academy Award.

Fact 3
In 2007 he was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor award for the film “No Country For Old Men”. He was the first Spanish actor to win an Oscar. He brought his mother to the event and dedicated the award to her.

Fact 4
During his teenage years he played on the Spanish National Team in rugby.

Fact 5
Prior to becoming an actor, he fancied himself to be a painter but felt that he was not talented enough to go anywhere with his art.

Fact 6
His portrayal of Ramon Sampedro, a quadriplegic who turned activist for assisted suicide, won Javier Bardem the best actor award at the Venice Film Festival.

Fact 7
In 2005 Javier Bardem served on the jury of the Cannes Film Festival.

Fact 8
In 2007 the UK Magazine “Empire” ranked him in their “100 Sexiest Stars” list. He came in at number seventy-three.

Fact 9
Javier Bardem and his family own and operate an eatery in Spain. It is maintained by his family.

Fact 10
He is very good friends with actors Josh Brolin and Tom Cruise who he met on film projects during his career.