Belén Rueda (Madrid, 1965) is a prominent Spanish actress, known for her versatility and intense screen presence in cinema. After an established television career, she made her mark on the big screen with *The Sea Inside* (Mar adentro, 2004) by Alejandro Amenábar, winning the Goya Award for Best Breakthrough Actress.

She consolidated her international fame by starring in psychological thrillers and high-tension dramas. Among her most celebrated films are the acclaimed *The Orphanage* (El orfanato, 2007) by J.A. Bayona, a cult classic of the psychological horror genre, and *Julia's Eyes* (Los ojos de Julia, 2010).

Rueda is often associated with strong yet vulnerable, complex, and resilient female characters who face extreme situations, psychological traumas, or mysteries to solve. She has also demonstrated her acting range in successful comedies such as *Perfect Strangers* (Perfectos desconocidos, 2017). Her career is characterized by charismatic and profound performances that have made her one of the most respected actresses in contemporary Spanish cinema.