Pedro Almodóva is famous for his elevation of `` the humdrum spaces of overworked women '' .
Working with some of Spain 's best-known actresses including Carmen Maura , Victoria Abril , Marisa Paredes and Penélope Cruz , Almodóvar has become famous for his female-centric films , his `` sympathetic portrayals of women '' and his exploration of `` the humdrum spaces of overworked women '' .
Pedro Almodóvar