Penelope Cruz is eager to get her hands on an Oscar after she received an Academy Awards nod on Thursday - insisting she wants to "bring it home" for her Spanish fans. The stunning star is nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category at the February awards ceremony for her part in Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

Cruz faces tough competition for the gong - she's up against Doubt stars Viola Davis and Amy Adams, Marisa Tomei for The Wrestler, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button's Taraji P. Henson.

And the actress - who has one previous Oscar nomination under her belt for 2006's Volver - hopes she walks away with the revered prize as a homage to her homeland.

She says, "I am eternally indebted to the Academy (and) to Woody Allen who gave me this opportunity. I am very happy to see all the affection and congratulations I have received, especially those from Spain. Let's hope I can bring it home."

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)