Penelope Cruz' Short Sleek Hairstyle

Monday, January 5, 2009 was no except for the lovely Ms. Cruz who stunned the paparazzi when she appeared on the Red Carpet at the 2008 New York Film Critics' Circle Awards wearing her hair in a short sleek hairdo which ended right about the bottom of her earlobes.

While Penelope looked stunning in an off-the-shoulder black fringed mini-gown, her hair was a departure from the long lush tresses she normally showcases.

Penelope's newly cropped hairstyle was a perfect complement to her sassy black frock. It also highlighted her stunning eyes and lovely lips.

Her newly short hairstyle combined lots of lush volume at the crown with a deep side part and a side-swept fringe with nestled along her hairline and merged into the back along one side.

Penelope took home the award for Best Supporting Actress for her recent role in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" from Woody Allen.  Penelope played the part of Maria Elena in the film.  Many critics praised her acting in the film.

(Image of Penelope Cruz at the Los Angeles Premiere of "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" - 08-04-08 - all rights reserved).

An important hairstyle question is whether Penelope actually cut her hair or whether it was a hairstyle designed to present a faux short look.

From some angles it definitely looked like Penelope's hair had been carefully folded, pulled back and rolled up along the back to give the impression of a much shorter hairstyle.

Many celebrities love to keep the fans and fashion watchers guessing about whether they have actually cut their hair or simply had it styled to give a newly shorn look.  It's hard to tell from Penelope's photos whether her hair is temporarily or permanently chopped.

Regardless of the current length of her hair, Penelope looked gorgeous in New York.  In the end, that's all that counts on the Red Carpet.