Born in Madrid, Abril became widely known in Spain in 1976 when she appeared in the show "Un, dos, tres... responda otra vez" for two years. In addition to working in Spain, she has made films in France, Italy, and Iceland. She has been nominated eight times for Goya Awards in the Lead Actress category and has won once. She also won the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the 41st Berlin International Film Festival for her role in "Amantes". Two years later, she was awarded with the Berlinale Camera at the 43rd Berlin International Film Festival.