In 1991, she went to Los Angeles and started a career there, but she had little knowledge of English. There, she did drama and elocution lessons. In January 1993, she got a supporting role in "Mi Vida Loca". In 1995, she played in "Desperado" with Antonio Banderas. She got an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award nomination for her role in "Frida" as best actress in 2003.