Javier Bardem’s Career: From ‘The Ages of Lulu’ to ‘F1’

Javier Bardem is one of Spain’s most acclaimed actors and a powerful force in international cinema. Known for his transformative performances and commanding screen presence, he has the rare ability to disappear completely into a role, whether he is playing a romantic hero, a menacing villain, or a man grappling with his own mortality. He is the first Spanish actor to win an Academy Award, and his work has earned him numerous other accolades, including a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and multiple Goya Awards.

Bardem began his career in Spanish cinema, delivering a series of intense and charismatic performances that made him a star in his home country. His international breakthrough led to roles in major Hollywood productions, where he became famous for his unforgettable antagonists in films like ‘No Country for Old Men’ and ‘Skyfall’. Despite his global success, he continues to work on compelling Spanish-language films, showcasing his remarkable range and deep commitment to his craft across different cultures and genres.

‘The Ages of Lulu’ (1990)

In this early role, Javier Bardem played Jimmy, a gay man involved in the underground sexual scene. The film follows the erotic and emotional journey of Lulú, a woman who explores the boundaries of her sexuality over the course of 15 years, starting from a relationship with an older man who introduces her to a world of forbidden desires.

Directed by Bigas Luna, the film was controversial for its explicit content but was also a significant early credit for Bardem. His character is part of the complex web of relationships that shape the protagonist’s life, and the role showcased his willingness to take on provocative and challenging parts from the very beginning of his career.

‘High Heels’ (1991)

Bardem had a small role as a television presenter in ‘High Heels’, a melodrama directed by the legendary Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar. The film centers on the stormy relationship between a famous singer and her estranged daughter, who works as a television newscaster. Their lives become further entangled by a murder mystery.

This marked Bardem’s first collaboration with Almodóvar, one of Spain’s most important directors. Though his part was minor, appearing in this film placed him in the orbit of the creative forces that were shaping modern Spanish cinema.

‘Amo tu cama rica’ (1992)

In the comedy ‘Amo tu cama rica’, Javier Bardem played Antonio. The story is a lighthearted look at the romantic and sexual adventures of a young man, following him through a series of relationships and comical situations.

This film was a more traditional romantic comedy, showing a lighter side of Bardem’s acting. It was one of several roles he took in the early 1990s that explored youthful relationships and desire.

‘Jamón, jamón’ (1992)

Bardem’s breakout role came in ‘Jamón, jamón’, where he played Raúl, an aspiring bullfighter and underwear model. He is hired by the parents of a wealthy young man to seduce their son’s girlfriend, Silvia, to break up their relationship. However, Raúl ends up falling for Silvia himself.

Directed by Bigas Luna, this passionate and surreal comedy brought Bardem international attention and introduced him to his future wife, Penélope Cruz. His performance as the macho and charismatic Raúl established him as a major new talent and a leading sex symbol in Spanish cinema.

‘Huidos’ (1993)

In this historical drama, Bardem played Rafael, a man caught in the turmoil of the Spanish Civil War. The film follows a group of people from different backgrounds who are hiding from the conflict in the mountains, trying to survive in a hostile and uncertain environment.

The film explored the human cost of war and the struggle for survival. Bardem’s role was part of an ensemble cast depicting the difficult choices people must make when their lives are upended by political violence.

‘Huevos de oro’ (1993)

Bardem once again collaborated with director Bigas Luna for ‘Huevos de oro’, playing Benito González. His character is an ambitious and egotistical construction worker in the tourist town of Melilla who dreams of building a massive skyscraper, a symbol of his power and masculinity.

The film is a satire of machismo and unbridled ambition in modern Spain. Bardem’s powerful performance captured the larger-than-life bravado and ultimate downfall of a man consumed by his own desires for wealth and status.

‘The Bilingual Lover’ (1993)

Bardem had a supporting role as a shoeshiner in this surreal comedy. The plot centers on a man who, after being abandoned by his wife for being too common, disguises himself as a Catalan immigrant and street musician in order to win her back.

The film is a strange and satirical look at identity, language, and love. Bardem’s character is one of the figures the protagonist encounters during his unusual journey of transformation.

‘Running Out of Time’ (1994)

In ‘Días contados’, Javier Bardem played Lisardo, a drug-addicted policeman. The main story follows a member of the ETA terrorist group who becomes romantically involved with a prostitute, while Lisardo and his colleagues try to track him down.

The film was a gritty thriller that received critical acclaim in Spain, winning several Goya Awards. Bardem’s portrayal of the corrupt and drug-fueled cop earned him the Goya Award for Best Supporting Actor, one of his first major acting awards.

‘The Detective and Death‘ (1994)

Bardem starred as Detective Cornelio in this noir thriller. His character is an aging detective who, just as he is about to retire, becomes obsessed with a case involving a mysterious and powerful man known only as “The Tycoon.”

The film is a stylish and complex mystery that explores themes of power and mortality. Bardem’s performance as the weary but determined detective drives the film’s dark and atmospheric narrative.

‘Mouth to Mouth’ (1995)

Javier Bardem played Víctor Ventura in the comedy ‘Mouth to Mouth’. His character is an aspiring actor who takes a job at a phone-sex hotline to make ends meet. He becomes entangled in a dangerous plot when one of his callers involves him in a real-life mystery.

This role earned Bardem his first Goya Award for Best Actor. His charismatic and comedic performance was praised, showcasing his ability to lead a film with both humor and charm.

‘Love Can Seriously Damage Your Health’ (1997)

Bardem made a cameo appearance as a hospital orderly in this romantic comedy. The film spans three decades, following the on-again, off-again relationship of a man and a woman who first meet as fans of the Beatles in the 1960s.

The film is a nostalgic look at love and the passage of time. Bardem’s brief appearance was one of many cameos from well-known Spanish actors.

‘Airbag’ (1997)

In the action-comedy ‘Airbag’, Bardem had a small role as José Alberto. The plot follows a man who, after losing his engagement ring during a wild bachelor party, must embark on a chaotic road trip through the criminal underworld to get it back before his wedding.

The film was a huge box office hit in Spain, known for its irreverent humor and action sequences. Bardem’s part was a supporting role in this popular and anarchic comedy.

‘Live Flesh’ (1997)

Bardem collaborated with director Pedro Almodóvar for a second time in ‘Live Flesh’, playing a wheelchair-bound former policeman named David. His life is intertwined with a group of people who were all connected by a violent confrontation that occurred years earlier, which led to him being paralyzed.

For this complex and emotional role, Bardem earned another Goya Award nomination. The performance was a key part of the film’s tangled web of love, guilt, and fate, and solidified his reputation as one of Spain’s top dramatic actors.

‘Dance with the Devil’ (1997)

Javier Bardem starred as Romeo Dolorosa, a charismatic and dangerous bank robber and practitioner of Santería. He and his wild partner, Perdita Durango, kidnap a teenage couple and embark on a violent and surreal road trip across the US-Mexico border to transport human fetuses for a crime boss.

This English-language dark comedy thriller was one of Bardem’s first major roles for an international audience. The film, directed by Álex de la Iglesia, was a showcase for his intense and fearless screen presence.

‘Torrente, the Dumb Arm of the Law’ (1998)

In this wildly popular Spanish comedy, Bardem made a brief appearance as a character named Sultán. The film follows a lazy, corrupt, and offensive ex-cop who stumbles upon a drug-trafficking ring and tries to take it down with the help of a group of misfits.

‘Torrente’ became one of Spain’s biggest box office hits and launched a successful franchise. Bardem’s cameo was a small part in a film that became a cultural phenomenon.

‘Between Your Legs’ (1999)

Bardem played Javier in the erotic thriller ‘Between Your Legs’. He is a screenwriter who, along with his wife, attends a group therapy session for sex addicts. There, he meets a mysterious woman and begins a dangerous and obsessive affair.

The film explored themes of desire and infidelity, similar to other thrillers popular at the time. The role placed Bardem once again as a man caught in a web of passion and deceit.

‘Second Skin’ (1999)

In ‘Second Skin’, Bardem played Diego, a gay doctor. His character is having an affair with a married man who is struggling to come to terms with his sexuality and keep the relationship a secret from his wife.

The film is a sensitive drama that explores the complexities of love, identity, and fidelity. Bardem’s portrayal of the confident and loving doctor was a central element of the emotional story.

‘Washington Wolves ‘ (1999)

Bardem starred as Alberto in ‘Washington Wolves ‘, a film which he also executive produced. The story follows two old friends who devise a plan to swindle a wealthy architect, but their scheme quickly begins to fall apart due to their own incompetence and greed.

This crime drama showed another facet of Bardem’s involvement in the film industry, taking on a producer role. The film is a story about ambition, loyalty, and the failure of a get-rich-quick scheme.

‘Before Night Falls’ (2000)

Javier Bardem received his first Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of the Cuban poet and novelist Reinaldo Arenas. The film chronicles Arenas’s life, from his childhood in poverty and his early support of the Cuban Revolution to his persecution by the Castro regime for being gay and his eventual escape to the United States.

Bardem’s transformative performance was universally acclaimed, capturing Arenas’s defiant spirit and artistic passion. This role was his international breakthrough, establishing him as a world-class actor capable of carrying a major biographical film.

‘Don’t Tempt Me’ (2001)

Bardem had a role as Tony Graco, a soul sent from Hell, in this dark fantasy comedy. The film depicts a battle between agents of Heaven and Hell over the soul of a boxer on Earth. Bardem’s character is a demon who takes the form of a police inspector.

This film, which also starred his ‘Jamón, jamón’ co-star Penélope Cruz, was a stylized and imaginative take on the battle between good and evil. Bardem’s part was a supporting role in this supernatural satire.

‘The Dancer Upstairs’ (2002)

Javier Bardem starred as Agustín Rejas, a police detective in an unnamed Latin American country. As he hunts for the elusive leader of a violent guerrilla movement, he also finds solace from the country’s political turmoil by teaching his daughter’s ballet teacher how to dance.

The film was the directorial debut of actor John Malkovich. Bardem’s performance was praised for its quiet intensity, portraying a decent man trying to maintain his integrity in a corrupt and violent society.

‘Mondays in the Sun’ (2002)

Bardem played Santa, the charismatic and rebellious leader of a group of unemployed shipyard workers. The film follows the men as they hang out at a bar, pass their days, and struggle with the loss of their jobs and their dignity in a city hit hard by industrial decline.

The film was a critical and commercial success in Spain, winning the Goya Award for Best Film. Bardem won another Goya for Best Actor for his powerful and moving performance as a man trying to keep hope alive for himself and his friends.

‘Collateral’ (2004)

In Michael Mann’s thriller ‘Collateral’, Bardem played Felix, a powerful Mexican drug lord. He has a memorable, tense scene with a hitman, played by Tom Cruise, who has been sent to eliminate him.

Although he appeared in only one major scene, Bardem’s performance was highly effective. His portrayal of the cool and commanding crime boss created a formidable presence, making a strong impression in his first major Hollywood studio film.

‘The Sea Inside’ (2004)

Bardem gave a celebrated performance as Ramón Sampedro, a man who was left paralyzed from the neck down after a diving accident. The film is based on the true story of Sampedro’s 28-year fight for the right to end his own life with dignity through assisted suicide.

For this role, Bardem was aged up and spent hours in makeup. He delivered a deeply moving and nuanced performance almost entirely through his facial expressions and voice, earning widespread acclaim, including a Golden Globe nomination and another Goya Award.

‘Goya’s Ghosts’ (2006)

Javier Bardem played Brother Lorenzo, a powerful and manipulative monk of the Spanish Inquisition. The film is a historical drama that explores the life of the famous painter Francisco Goya and the turbulent political events in late 18th-century Spain, including Lorenzo’s role in persecuting Goya’s muse.

Directed by Miloš Forman, the film saw Bardem portray a character who transforms from a fanatical monk to a revolutionary prosecutor. The role allowed him to play a complex and morally ambiguous historical figure.

‘Love in the Time of Cholera’ (2007)

Bardem starred as Florentino Ariza in the adaptation of Gabriel García Márquez’s celebrated novel. The story spans half a century, following Florentino’s undying and obsessive love for a woman who marries another man, as he waits decades for a second chance.

This epic romance required Bardem to portray a character across many stages of his life, from a passionate young man to a determined old man. The film was a lavish production that attempted to capture the magic of the beloved book.

‘No Country for Old Men’ (2007)

Javier Bardem delivered one of cinema’s most terrifying performances as Anton Chigurh, a relentless and psychopathic hitman. With a bizarre haircut and a captive bolt pistol as his weapon of choice, Chigurh mercilessly hunts a man who has stumbled upon a case of drug money.

For this chilling and unforgettable role, Bardem won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His portrayal of the unstoppable, remorseless force of evil in the Coen brothers’ masterpiece is widely regarded as one of the greatest movie villains of all time.

‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ (2008)

Bardem played the charismatic and bohemian artist Juan Antonio in Woody Allen’s romantic comedy-drama. His character becomes involved with two American friends visiting Barcelona and also has to contend with his fiery and emotionally unstable ex-wife, played by Penélope Cruz.

The film was a critical and commercial success, praised for its witty script and strong performances. Bardem’s portrayal of the charming and philosophical painter at the center of the film’s complicated romantic entanglements earned him a Golden Globe nomination.

‘Biutiful’ (2010)

Javier Bardem earned his third Academy Award nomination for his role as Uxbal, a man living in the underworld of Barcelona. Uxbal is a single father who discovers he has terminal cancer, forcing him to confront his mortality and try to secure a future for his children while navigating a life of crime.

Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, the film is a raw and powerful look at life on the margins. Bardem’s gut-wrenching performance was praised by critics as a tour-de-force, capturing the desperation and humanity of a man facing his final days.

‘Eat Pray Love’ (2010)

Bardem played Felipe, a Brazilian expatriate living in Bali, in the popular film ‘Eat Pray Love’. He is the romantic interest for the main character, a writer played by Julia Roberts, who falls for him during the final leg of her year-long journey of self-discovery.

In this supporting role, Bardem provided the warmth and charm that concluded the protagonist’s emotional and spiritual quest. His performance was a key part of the film’s hopeful and romantic final act.

‘Skyfall’ (2012)

Javier Bardem played Raoul Silva, the main villain in the James Bond film ‘Skyfall’. Silva is a brilliant and flamboyant former MI6 agent who was left for dead by M and now seeks personal revenge against her and the entire organization, using his advanced cyber-terrorism skills.

Bardem’s theatrical and menacing performance was widely praised, and Silva is considered one of the best villains in the entire Bond franchise. He created a complex antagonist who was both a physical and psychological match for Daniel Craig’s James Bond.

‘To the Wonder’ (2012)

Bardem had a supporting role as Father Quintana in Terrence Malick’s experimental drama ‘To the Wonder’. His character is a priest who is struggling with his own faith while counseling his parishioners through their problems in a small Oklahoma town.

The film is a poetic and visually driven meditation on love and faith. Bardem’s performance conveyed a deep sense of spiritual doubt and compassion, adding a key philosophical layer to the film’s impressionistic style.

‘The Counselor’ (2013)

Bardem played Reiner, a flamboyant and philosophical nightclub owner who is involved in the high-stakes world of drug trafficking. He acts as a guide and cautionary tale for the main character, a lawyer who gets drawn too deep into a dangerous drug deal.

In this dark thriller written by Cormac McCarthy and directed by Ridley Scott, Bardem sported another memorable hairstyle and delivered long, colorful monologues. His performance as the eccentric criminal was a standout element of the bleak and violent film.

‘Scorpion in Love’ (2013)

In this Spanish film, Bardem played Solís, the leader of a neo-Nazi group. The story follows a young, violent member of the group who begins to question his beliefs after falling in love with a young immigrant woman and discovering a passion for boxing.

This was a supporting role for Bardem, playing the ideological mentor to the film’s protagonist. The part saw him once again taking on the role of a powerful and menacing figure.

‘Autómata’ (2014)

Javier Bardem provided the voice for the Blue Robot in the sci-fi film ‘Autómata’. The story is set in a future where Earth is on the brink of ecological collapse and humanoid robots have become commonplace. The plot follows an insurance agent who investigates a case of robots modifying themselves.

This voice role allowed Bardem to contribute to a story about artificial intelligence and the future of humanity. His character is one of the evolving robots at the center of the film’s mystery.

‘The Gunman’ (2015)

In ‘The Gunman’, Bardem played Felix, an executive who is part of a mercenary team. Years after an assassination, he is married to the former lover of his old colleague, played by Sean Penn, leading to a tense and complicated relationship when the past comes back to haunt them.

This supporting role in the action-thriller saw Bardem as part of a love triangle and a corporate conspiracy. His character is a man who must confront the consequences of his violent past.

‘The Last Face’ (2016)

Bardem starred as Miguel León, a charismatic and dedicated relief-aid doctor working in war-torn regions of Africa. The film explores his passionate but difficult relationship with the director of an international aid organization amidst the brutal realities of humanitarian crises.

Directed by Sean Penn, the film is a romance set against a backdrop of war and suffering. Bardem’s performance captured the passion and commitment of a doctor trying to make a difference in the face of overwhelming tragedy.

‘Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales’ (2017)

Bardem played the main villain, Captain Armando Salazar, in this installment of the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise. He is a fearsome and ghostly pirate hunter who escapes from the Devil’s Triangle with his cursed crew, seeking revenge against Captain Jack Sparrow.

With striking visual effects that made his hair and clothes appear to float underwater, Bardem created another memorable and menacing antagonist. His performance as the vengeful Spanish captain was a highlight of the fantasy-adventure film.

‘Mother!’ (2017)

Javier Bardem starred as “Him,” a celebrated poet struggling with writer’s block who lives in a secluded house with his young wife. Their peaceful existence is shattered by the arrival of uninvited guests, and the situation escalates into a chaotic and allegorical nightmare.

In this highly controversial psychological horror film from director Darren Aronofsky, Bardem played a character who represents God. His performance was central to the film’s complex and debated biblical allegory about creation, worship, and the destruction of nature.

‘Loving Pablo’ (2017)

Bardem took on the role of the infamous Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, in a film which he also produced. The story chronicles Escobar’s rise and fall through the eyes of his lover, the journalist Virginia Vallejo.

To play the notorious kingpin, Bardem underwent a significant physical transformation. His powerful and intimidating performance captured the brutality and complexity of one of history’s most powerful and violent criminals.

‘Everybody Knows’ (2018)

In this Spanish-language psychological thriller, Bardem played Paco, a vineyard owner living in a small Spanish town. His life is thrown into turmoil when the daughter of his former lover, who has returned for a family wedding, is kidnapped. Old secrets and long-buried resentments resurface as the family scrambles to find her.

The film, directed by Iranian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi, reunited Bardem with Penélope Cruz. His performance as a decent man caught in a devastating crisis was praised for its emotional depth and grounding presence.

‘The Roads Not Taken’ (2020)

Bardem played Leo, a writer suffering from a form of dementia, in the drama ‘The Roads Not Taken’. Over the course of a single day, he is cared for by his daughter as his mind drifts through alternate versions of the life he might have lived, including a tumultuous marriage in Mexico and a solitary retreat in Greece.

This challenging role required Bardem to portray a character who is largely disconnected from reality. He conveyed the internal struggles and fragmented memories of a man lost in his own mind.

‘Dune’ (2021)

Javier Bardem joined the epic sci-fi saga ‘Dune’ as Stilgar, the leader of a Fremen sietch on the desert planet of Arrakis. He is a formidable warrior and a respected leader who is skeptical of outsiders but also holds a deep-seated belief in a prophecy that foretells the coming of a messiah.

Bardem’s portrayal of the hardened desert survivor brought gravitas and authority to the role. He perfectly captured the character’s pragmatic leadership and underlying spiritual faith, setting the stage for his larger role in the continuing story.

‘The Good Boss’ (2021)

Bardem starred as Blanco, the seemingly benevolent owner of an industrial scales factory, in this Spanish dark comedy. In the week leading up to a visit from a committee that could give his company a prestigious award, he desperately tries to fix the escalating problems in his employees’ lives, revealing his manipulative nature.

This role earned Bardem another Goya Award for Best Actor. His performance was praised for its masterful blend of charisma and menace, creating a character who is both a charming father figure and a controlling patriarch.

‘Being the Ricardos’ (2021)

Javier Bardem played the iconic Cuban-American actor and musician Desi Arnaz. The film follows one critical week of production for the sitcom ‘I Love Lucy’, as Arnaz and his wife, Lucille Ball, face a series of personal and professional crises that threaten their show and their marriage.

For his charismatic and layered portrayal of the ambitious and talented Arnaz, Bardem received his fourth Academy Award nomination. He captured the showman’s public charm and the private complexities of a man navigating fame, business, and a turbulent relationship.

‘Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile’ (2022)

In the family-friendly musical ‘Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile’, Bardem played Hector P. Valenti. He is a flamboyant and down-on-his-luck showman who discovers a singing crocodile and tries to make him a star. When his plans fail, he leaves Lyle behind, only to return later to shake things up.

This role showcased a completely different side of Bardem, allowing him to be goofy, charming, and theatrical. He performed musical numbers and brought a burst of comedic energy to the heartwarming family film.

‘The Little Mermaid’ (2023)

Bardem took on the role of King Triton in Disney’s live-action remake of ‘The Little Mermaid’. He is the powerful and protective ruler of the underwater kingdom of Atlantica and the stern father of the adventurous young mermaid, Ariel, who longs to experience the human world.

As King Triton, Bardem portrayed the formidable sea king but also brought a new layer of emotion and fatherly concern to the character. His performance added weight to the family drama at the heart of the beloved story.

‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)

Bardem reprised his role as Stilgar, with his part significantly expanded in the second film. As Paul Atreides lives among the Fremen, Stilgar evolves from a skeptical leader to a true believer, convinced that Paul is the messiah foretold in prophecies. His unwavering faith becomes a powerful and sometimes fanatical force in Paul’s rise to power.

His performance was a highlight of the film, providing moments of unexpected humor and fanatical devotion. Bardem masterfully depicted Stilgar’s transformation into a fervent religious leader, embodying one of the story’s key themes about the dangers of faith and power.

‘Spellbound’ (2024)

Javier Bardem lent his voice to the character of King Solon in the animated musical fantasy ‘Spellbound’. The story follows a tenacious young princess who must go on a quest to save her family and her kingdom after a mysterious spell turns her parents into monsters.

This voice role places Bardem as the regal patriarch in an animated adventure. He is part of a voice cast that also includes Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, and John Lithgow.

‘F1’ (2025)

Bardem is part of the cast for the upcoming film centered on the world of Formula 1 racing. The movie stars Brad Pitt as a former driver who returns to the sport to compete alongside a rookie teammate, with Bardem playing the role of the rookie’s team owner.

Directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and Lewis Hamilton, the film promises high-speed action and drama. Bardem’s role as a team principal places him in the heart of the competitive and high-stakes world of professional motorsport.

From chilling assassins to charming lovers, which one of Javier Bardem’s intense performances do you find the most captivating?