Penelope Cruz on 'American Crime Story' and Snapping Ricky Martin's Bare Bum

Actress Penelope Cruz talked to Ellen about playing fashion designer Donatella Versace in "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story," and the nude photo she took of co-star Ricky Martin.

We're back with Penelope Cruz,
who plays Donatella Versace.

And this is Ryan Murphy's
new series that he's doing.

And it's Ricky Martin, and
yourself, and Darren Criss.

And Edgar Ramirez.

I mean, he's amazing
as Gianni, right?

Yeah.

So you're from Spain.

You're from Spain, right?

Mhm, yeah.

And so you speak Spanish.

And yet you had to learn
English with an Italian accent.

Yes.

I mean, how hard was that?

Yeah.

That was a lot of work.

I had to do an Italian accent
in English for Nine also.

But here it was like
starting from zero.

Because I am playing Donatella.

And everybody knows
the way she speaks.

And it's a very unique, very
particular way of speaking.

And for me, I needed months
of preparation for this.

Until I found that, I
didn't feel ready to shoot.

And it's a very
rock-and-roll way,

you know, speaking and moving.

And she's very rock-and-roll.

And I really like this woman.

I've met her a few times
in my life, here and there.

And she's always been--

So was that easier,
because you knew her?

Or were you scared to play
her because you knew her?

You feel much more
responsibility.

Yeah.

When Ryan called me, I--

because I love everything
that Ryan does.

I think he's so talented.

Brilliant.

Yeah.

Such a nice guy.

And I really wanted
to work with him.

But I said, I need to
make these phone calls

and talk to
Donatella about this.

And then when she told me that
if somebody was going to do it,

she was really happy
that it was me--

because I think she knows
what I feel for her--

Right.

--and for Gianni, even
if I never met him.

But I've worked for many
years on and off with Versace

dressing me for things.

They are the most
generous, kind people.

And it's important for me that
when she sees what I've done,

she can feel the love and
respect that I have put there,

you know, what I feel for her.

Yeah.

She just sent me flowers
yesterday before the Golden--

She just sent me flowers last
week before the Golden Globes.

That's so sweet.

[LAUGHTER]

[LAUGHTER]

Yeah, several weeks ago.

Yeah.

[LAUGHTER]

No, sometimes these things
are fresh in your head.

I understand.

[LAUGHTER]

I, for instance--

No, last Sunday.

Last Sunday, I know.

It's a week ago.

No, for me, it's hard for
me to realize it's Tuesday.

[LAUGHTER]

So--

[LAUGHTER]

I mean, really, it's so good.

What is this that you
posted of Ricky though?

I don't know what this
picture is of his--

what's happening?

[LAUGHTER]

I think that was like 6:00
in the morning in the makeup

truck.

And I look to my
right, and I see this.

I took my camera.

I said, do you mind?

No.

Go on.

Was she putting a tattoo on him?

Or what was happening there?

I think she was doing some--

Or is that a vitamin D shot?

--spray makeup.

Because that day, I think
he had semi-nude scene.

Right.

Not with me, but--

I'm just wondering what--

[LAUGHTER]

--he needed done back there to--

I know.

[LAUGHTER]

It's very intriguing,
this picture.

Yeah.

That's why I had
to take the photo.

Right.

It's so good.

I can't wait for
you all to see it.

It's called American Crime
Story: The Assassination

of Gianni Versace.

It premieres
tomorrow night on FX.