In anticipation of the release of her new film, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” in theaters May 20, 2011, Penelope Cruz received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame April 1, in front of the El Capitan Theatre, 6834 Hollywood Boulevard. She became the first Spanish performer to receive this honor – the 2,436th star to be placed on the Walk of Fame.

Cruz was accompanied in the ceremony by husband Javier Bardem and Johnny Depp, her co-star in the new installment of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” saga.

The 36-year-old Cruz wore a form-fitting purple tube dress just two months after giving birth to her son Leonardo, and was presented the award by Rob Marshall, director of “On Stranger Tides.”

An Academy Award® winner Penelope Cruz has proven herself to be one of the most versatile actresses by playing a variety of compelling characters, and most recently, becoming the first actress from Spain to be nominated and to win an Oscar®.

The winner of the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” gave thanks to filmmaker Ted Demme, Fernando Trueba, Pedro Almodovar, Woody Allen, Bigas Lunas and Cameron Crowe for all that she has learned from them over the years, before referring to her personal life.

The star of such films as “Volver” (To Return), “Carne Tremula” (Live Flesh), “Todo Sobre Mi Madre” (All About My Mother) and “Abre los Ojos” (Open Your Eyes) said that she has more than fulfilled her childhood dream – to earn her living as an actress.

She joked during the ceremony that when she came to the United States she spoke no English and could only say two phrases: “How are you?” and “I want to work with Johnny Depp.”

Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” is the fourth entry in the blockbuster franchise which has already reaped $2.7 billion in worldwide box office from the previous three films, and the first to be filmed and presented in Disney Digital 3D™.

“On Stranger Tides” captures the fun, adventure and humor that ignited the hit franchise—this time in Disney Digital 3D™. Johnny Depp returns to his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow in an action-packed adventure. Crossing paths with the enigmatic Angelica (Cruz), he’s not sure if it’s love—or if she’s a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the “Queen Anne’s Revenge,” the ship of the legendary pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know whom to fear more: Blackbeard or Angelica, with whom he shares a mysterious past.