Milena Smit

Born on October 5, 1996, in Elche, Spain, Milena Smit began her journey in the entertainment industry as a model at the tender age of 15. Initially working in her hometown, she soon relocated to Madrid to pursue greater opportunities. With a Dutch father, Smit brings a diverse cultural background to her work.

Her formal training as an actress took place at the Cristina Rota acting school, where she honed her skills under the guidance of renowned coach Bernard Hiller, who has mentored stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz. Before stepping into the world of acting, Smit held various jobs, including waitress, shop assistant, babysitter, and subway information assistant.

Milena's acting career began with short films, including titles like *Diagonales*, *Innermost*, *Chimichanga*, and *Adentro*. Her feature film debut came in 2020 with *Cross the Line*, directed by David Victori, featuring Mario Casas. Her remarkable performance earned her a nomination for Best New Actress at the Goya Awards, with the film's casting team discovering her talent through Instagram.

Following this breakthrough, Smit caught the attention of acclaimed director Pedro Almodóvar, who cast her in *Parallel Mothers*, alongside Penélope Cruz and Aitana Sánchez-Gijón. In this poignant film, she and Cruz portray accidental mothers who develop a deep bond in a maternity ward. Almodóvar praised her emotional depth and authenticity, further solidifying her status in the industry. Smit received another Goya nomination, this time for Best Supporting Actress, showcasing her growing impact in Spanish cinema.