Dear Penelope Cruz,

I know you really want to be a Hollywood star. I’m sure it pays a lot better than being a Spanish movie star, and I can’t blame you for wanting the biggest and best career.

But Hollywood movies are almost always in English. And unfortunately, that’s not your best language. Don’t get me wrong, you speak perfectly good English – you just don’t act as well in it.

When you stick to Spanish, you’re radiant and charismatic, and can anchor an entire film. But when you switch to English, you’re just pretty, incidental scenery. As you get older, Hollywood will be looking for prettier, younger actresses to fill that role.

Hollywood fame is fleeting and unpredictable. Your time as the Next Big Thing might already be over. Make more films in Spanish and you can be a great actress and a star whose light shines much, much longer.

Please give it some thought. You know I’m only looking out for your best interests.

(ps – You might want to mention this to Zhang Ziyi if you happen to run into her)