"Babylon" hit the cinemas just before Christmas, starring Hollywood royalty Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie. Emerging Mexican actor, Diego Calva, joined them in stardom. The star, who captured the heart of director Damien Challeze, has earned a Golden Globe award nomination.
"La La Land" director Damien Challeze did not panic after the COVID-19 pandemic halted his production. The director weathered the storm and assembled a star-studded cast for the movie released on December 23. The film stars Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, and Diego Calva, supported by Jovan Adepo, Tobey Maguire, Jean Smart, and more.
All eyes are on the promising Diego Calva, who is making his American film debut following an impressive performance on "Narcos: Mexico." A leading role as a debut is not typical, but he has done the groundwork back in Mexico. Fans growing interested in the love life of a Hollywood newcomer is an enticing trend; therefore, here are the answers.
Who Is Diego Calva, and What Movies Did He Star in before "Babylon"?
Calva's career in film is supported by a Cinematic Direction degree from the Center of Cinematographic Training. The Mexican got his first starring role alongside Mexican actress Ximena Romo when he played Amigo in the 2013 short drama film "Ficción." He built up a reputable résumé as a director making short films.
In 2015, he starred in "I Promise You Anarchy," earning the Best Actor award at the Havana Film Festival, a glory he shared with Eduardo Eliseo Martinez. He starred in a couple more short films before scoring a role in the Telemundo television series "The Inmate."
By 2020, Calva was a recognized face in the Latin-American film industry. He got cast in the Netflix series, "Unstoppable," as Joshua in 2020. The following year, he secured a spot in the prominent Netflix series, "Narcos: Mexico," featuring in six episodes alongside "Black Panther 2" antagonist Tenoch Huerta.
Diego Calva at a "El Recluso" screening hosted at Four Seasons Hotel, Mexico City, Mexico, on September 20, 2018. | Source: Getty Images
Calva has had a progressive rise to the apex of Hollywood from humble independent film beginnings. His most recent role is in the highly anticipated Damien Chazelle comedy/drama, "Babylon," where he stars alongside some of Hollywood's finest actors, namely Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie.
Calva earned a Golden Globe nomination for his exquisite performance in his first English film appearance. In a conversation with GQ, Chazelle revealed why he cast him. He admitted that before convening on a Zoom call, he randomly stumbled upon Calva—perhaps a stroke of luck for the actor. He said:
"I saw a headshot randomly, [of Diego Calva], and I was just like, 'Oh, that's the face of a dreamer. Those eyes have real poetry in them. Who is this guy? Has he ever acted before?'"
When the film's production phase concluded, Chazelle advised Calva to visit his hometown and enjoy a walk down his street like he used to, with the promise that he would not be able to do so after the film's release. Chazelle was determined to make a movie so good that it changed Calva's life—for the better, of course.
Calva said he related to the character he portrays, Manny Torres, a film enthusiast who moves to Hollywood from Mexico, intending to make it in the industry. He adds that Manny's life changed when he arrived and met the "biggest superstar on the planet." Similarly, the Mexican was cast alongside Pitt.
Chazelle was impressed with Calva over a Zoom call and invited him to Los Angeles for a chemistry read. He arrived at Chazelle's home and the director's wife, a filmmaker, assisted Calva in looking the part. Chazelle was sold by Calva and Pitt's chemistry, comparing it to that of Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty.
Is Diego Calva Dating Anyone?
Calva has not disclosed any details about his love life—well, not directly. The actor has not spoken about any romantic partners; however, he has been attending "Babylon" movie premieres with his supposed girlfriend, Luciana Moreno Mora. The pair are generally attached by the hip, indicating a fondness for each other.
Mora is a director and photographer credited with directing many short films, including "Genesis," and "Love at Foresight." She is also an actress who has strutted her stuff in "The Heirs," "Apollo," and "Ode to Red Boots."
What can be confirmed is that they are indeed close friends who share photos of each other on Instagram, including a video of them posing for presumably a picture and Mora leaving a little peck on Calva's cheek.
What Is Next for Diego Calva?
Film director, Challeze, has made it clear that he foresees the Mexican actor becoming very popular after the film's release. From the start, the director believed in him and quickly expressed that there was something special about him. Calva said the emotion in his mother's eyes brought him joy. He added:
"I mean, for me, it's overwhelming; for her, it's like a blessing in a way. It's always beautiful to see someone you truly love having success or having the time of his life, and that's happening to me right now. To share that kind of joy with her, it's just amazing."
As things stand, this is just the beginning of Calva's journey as a movie star. He has been nominated for four awards, including a Golden Globe for his performance in "Babylon." He has four projects on the horizon, with "Sleeping Dogs Lie," "Bonded," and "A Ciegas" being in post-production.
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