Top 10 Coolest Things About Ana de Armas

Ana de Armas has built a career that moves easily between Spanish-language television, European cinema, and major Hollywood productions, picking roles that show range—from sci-fi to biopics to action. Here are ten concise, fact-first highlights that map out how her filmography and background came together.

‘Knives Out’ (2019) – breakout awards recognition

Lionsgate

Rian Johnson cast Ana de Armas as Marta Cabrera, a nurse at the center of the ensemble mystery ‘Knives Out’. Her performance earned major attention, including a Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy nomination at the Golden Globes. The film paired her with a large cast led by Daniel Craig and was produced by MRC and T-Street. Its success significantly raised her international profile.

‘No Time to Die’ (2021) – high-impact Bond debut

EON Productions

In the James Bond entry ‘No Time to Die’, she played Paloma, a CIA agent who assists Bond on an operation in Cuba. The production was directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, with U.S. distribution by MGM/United Artists Releasing and international distribution by Universal. De Armas completed firearms and stunt training to handle the film’s close-quarters action choreography. The role marked her first appearance within the long-running Bond franchise.

‘Blonde’ (2022) – first Oscar nomination

Plan B Entertainment

De Armas portrayed Marilyn Monroe in ‘Blonde’, directed by Andrew Dominik and adapted from Joyce Carol Oates’s novel. Her performance received nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress as well as BAFTA and Golden Globe recognition. The production recreated multiple Monroe photo shoots and film moments with period-accurate styling and cinematography. It released on a major streaming platform following a festival run.

‘Blade Runner 2049’ (2017) – scene-stealing sci-fi turn

Columbia Pictures

Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Blade Runner 2049’ featured de Armas as Joi, a key character opposite Ryan Gosling. The film used practical sets and extensive VFX to extend the world of the original ‘Blade Runner’. Her part required motion-capture planning and precise blocking to integrate holographic effects. The movie won two Oscars—Best Cinematography and Best Visual Effects.

‘El Internado’ (2007–2010) – Spanish TV foundation

Antena 3

Before Hollywood, de Armas starred in the Spanish TV series ‘El Internado’ on Antena 3. She played Carolina Leal, appearing across numerous episodes during the show’s multi-season run. The series combined mystery and teen-drama elements set at a boarding school. Its popularity in Spain established her early television credentials.

‘The Gray Man’ (2022) – global action lead

AGBO

In the Russo brothers’ action thriller ‘The Gray Man’, de Armas played Dani Miranda alongside Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans. The production was mounted by AGBO and filmed across multiple European locations. It premiered on a global streaming service with a wide day-and-date strategy. Her role placed her within another effects-driven, franchise-minded action project.

‘War Dogs’ (2016) – dark-comedy biopic pivot

Warner Bros. Pictures

Todd Phillips cast de Armas as Iz, the partner of arms dealer David Packouz in ‘War Dogs’. The story dramatizes a real federal contracting scheme during the mid-2000s. She acted opposite Miles Teller and Jonah Hill, joining a production that mixed biographical drama with dark comedy. The film was released theatrically by Warner Bros.

‘Hands of Stone’ (2016) – boxing biopic credentials

La Piedra Films

De Armas appeared in ‘Hands of Stone’ as Felicidad Iglesias, the spouse of boxer Roberto Durán. The biopic starred Édgar Ramírez and Robert De Niro and covered Durán’s rise across weight classes. Scenes were shot in Panama and other locations to match historical settings. The film premiered at Cannes before its theatrical rollout.

‘Deep Water’ (2022) – return to erotic thriller territory

New Regency Pictures

In ‘Deep Water’, directed by Adrian Lyne and adapted from a Patricia Highsmith novel, de Armas co-starred with Ben Affleck. Production took place in Louisiana with additional photography scheduled to complete the thriller’s tone and pacing. The release strategy shifted toward streaming in several territories. The role added to her string of contemporary psychological thrillers.

Cuban–Spanish Roots and Global Breakthrough

Ana Celia de Armas Caso was born in Havana and trained at the National Theater School of Cuba before relocating to Spain as a teenager. She began working in Spanish film and television, later moving to the United States to pursue English-language projects. De Armas holds Cuban and Spanish citizenship and works in both Spanish and English. Her award nominations for ‘Knives Out’ and ‘Blonde’ underscore a transition from European screen work to leading roles in high-profile international productions.

Which of these roles or moments do you think best showcases her range—drop your pick in the comments!