Queen Penelope Cruz

Feb 13, 2007, 14:00 GMT

02/11/2007 - Penelope Cruz - 2007 BAFTA Awards - Arrivals - Royal Opera House - London, England © Photorazzi

Penelope Cruz didn't mind losing the best actress BAFTA to Dame Helen Mirren because all the nominees were "queens".

The 'Volver' star said she did not feel competitive about winning because she was up against such great actresses.

Penelope told BANG Showbiz: "I didn't feel I was against 'The Queen' to win. There is not one queen in this competition. We are all queens."

The Hollywood beauty, who wore an Oscar de la Renta dress, was delighted to be able to attend the prestigious awards ceremony.

She said: "I was so happy to be there and to be asked to present an award, as well as to be nominated."

Penelope recently said she had been a 'rock' for Olivier Martinez, in the wake of his split from Kylie Minogue.

The actress - who was seen with Olivier just hours after the relationship ended - spoke for the first time about her friendship with the actor.

Penelope said: "Olivier and I have been friends for seven years, we are very close. You can understand that it's a difficult time for him right now, so I have been there for him to offer support. And it was lovely seeing him the other day, it has been such a long time."

(C) BANG Media International