Though Peña has been a regular in independent productions since 1994, his breakthrough performances came in two Best Picture Oscar-winning Paul Haggis-penned films, "Million Dollar Baby" (2004) and "Crash" (2004). The former was directed by Clint Eastwood, and the latter was directed by Haggis. Though both films are critically acclaimed, Peña received attention for his particularly emotional performance in "Crash". The following year, he appeared on the Golden Globe-winning series "The Shield". In 2006, he starred in Oliver Stone's film based on the September 11, 2001 attacks, "World Trade Center". He also had a small role in Alejandro González Iñárritu's film "Babel". This gives him the rare distinction of having appeared in three consecutive Oscar-nominated films.