Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem Tie the Knot

It has been officially confirmed that Oscar winning actress Penelope Cruz has tied the knot with fellow Hollywood actor Javier Bardem in a private ceremony only attended by a select few.

Cruz’s spokeswoman, Amanda Silverman told news agency The Associated Press that the ceremony was a private affair, conducted at a friend’s house with only family members in attendance. The bride wore a wedding dress which was designed by a long-time friend and fashion designer John Galliano.

The Spanish couple appeared together in the 2008 Woody Allen romantic comedy Vicky Cristina Barcelona, for which Penelope won a supporting actress Oscar, but their first film together was in the Spanish comedy drama, Jamón jamón back in 1992.

The 36 year old actress dated stars such as Tom Cruise and Matthew McConaughey in the 2000’s before getting together with 41 year old Bardem back in 2007. The couple managed to maintain a low public profile, although Cruz has made no secret of her desire to get married and have children.

Bardem has his own Oscar success to be proud of after being awarded the honour of best supporting actor for his part in the Cohen brother’s 2007 dark crime thriller, No Country for Old Men.  He is the first Spanish actor to be nominated for an Oscar (Best Actor, 2000, for Before Night Falls) as well as the first to win.

Despite normally trying to keep their romance out of the spotlight, Bardem made a public declaration of his love for Cruz, at this year's Cannes Film Festival.

As he collected the Best Actor award, he said: "I share this joy with my friend, my companion, my love. Penelope, I owe you a lot and I love you so much."