From Oscar Darling To Action Star: 7 Shocking New Roles Defining Catalina Sandino Moreno's Career In 2025
Catalina Sandino Moreno, the Colombian actress who once captivated the world with her raw, Oscar-nominated performance in Maria Full of Grace, has officially entered a new, thrilling phase of her career. As of late December 2025, Moreno is transitioning from indie darling and prestige TV star to a major player in blockbuster action franchises, marking one of the most exciting career evolutions in Hollywood.
This deep dive explores the actress’s latest projects, her surprising turn in the high-octane John Wick universe, and the prestigious courtroom drama where she’ll star alongside a two-time Oscar winner. Her current slate proves that the versatility and emotional depth she first showed two decades ago are still her greatest assets, propelling her into some of the most anticipated releases of 2025 and beyond.
Catalina Sandino Moreno: Complete Biography and Profile
Catalina Sandino Moreno is a highly acclaimed Colombian actress, best known for her breakout role in the 2004 film Maria Full of Grace, which earned her a historic Academy Award nomination. Her career is defined by her compelling portrayals of complex characters across film and television.
- Full Name: Catalina Sandino Moreno
- Date of Birth: April 19, 1981
- Place of Birth: Bogotá, Colombia
- Nationality: Colombian
- Early Life: Moreno developed an interest in acting early in life, enrolling at the Ruben Di Pietro acting school while in high school. She later studied advertising at Pontifical Xavierian University in Bogotá.
- Breakthrough Role: Maria Álvarez in Maria Full of Grace (2004).
- Major Accolades: Academy Award nomination for Best Actress (shared with Charlize Theron in 2004), Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin International Film Festival, and a nomination for the Screen Actors Guild Award.
- Spouse: David Elwell (married 2004)
- Notable Filmography: Maria Full of Grace, Love in the Time of Cholera, Che Guevara: The Argentine, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, A Most Violent Year, Incarnate.
- Notable Television: The Bridge, American Gothic, The Affair, and the current hit horror/sci-fi series From.
The Action Star Era: Catalina Sandino Moreno in the John Wick Universe
One of the most significant and exciting updates in Catalina Sandino Moreno's career is her major role in the John Wick spin-off film, Ballerina. This project, which premiered globally in June 2025, officially marks her transition into a high-profile action franchise.
The film, which stars Ana de Armas as the titular assassin, is set within the same universe as the Keanu Reeves-led series. Moreno’s involvement has generated considerable buzz, as she steps into a world of stylized violence and intricate world-building.
Moreno plays the character Lena, a role she has described in recent interviews as powerful and complex.
The role of Lena is a departure from the emotionally grounded, often vulnerable characters she is known for, such as Maria Álvarez or Tabitha in From. Her performance in Ballerina is being highlighted as a demonstration of her incredible range, proving she can hold her own in physically demanding, action-heavy cinema.
Her appearance at the world premiere of Ballerina at the TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX in Los Angeles in June 2025 was a major media event, cementing her status in the franchise.
This move is a strategic career pivot, allowing her to reach a massive global audience who may not be familiar with her acclaimed independent film work. It establishes her as a versatile performer capable of moving between prestige drama and large-scale studio tentpoles.
Prestige Drama and Ongoing Television Success in 2025
While the John Wick spin-off has captured headlines, Moreno’s commitment to compelling, character-driven drama remains strong. Her upcoming projects and current television roles provide a balance to her action work, ensuring her topical authority across multiple genres.
The Courtroom Drama 'Custody' with Viola Davis
In another exciting development, Catalina Sandino Moreno is attached to star in the courtroom drama film Custody. This project is particularly notable as she is set to share the screen with two-time Oscar winner Viola Davis.
The film is expected to be a powerful, emotionally charged piece, focusing on the complexities of the legal system and personal stakes. Working alongside an actress of Viola Davis’s caliber is a significant step, signaling Moreno’s continued presence in high-quality, prestige cinema. The project is currently in development and is highly anticipated by film critics and fans alike.
The Mystery of Tabitha in 'From'
Moreno continues to anchor the popular Epix/MGM+ horror/sci-fi series From, where she plays the lead character Tabitha Matthews. The series, which has garnered a loyal following, centers on a town that traps anyone who enters it, and the terrifying creatures that emerge at night.
Tabitha’s journey has been central to the show’s ongoing mysteries, with her character constantly searching for answers and a way out. Her performance in From showcases her ability to sustain a complex, long-running character arc in the demanding world of television.
Fans of the show are eagerly awaiting news on the next season, as Moreno’s portrayal of a mother fighting for her family in an impossible situation is one of the series' most compelling elements. Her consistent work in this genre has expanded her fanbase significantly.
Beyond the Screen: Appearances and Legacy
Catalina Sandino Moreno's visibility has been high throughout 2025, reinforcing her status as a global talent. In May 2025, she was a notable attendee at the Netflix Tudum: The Live Event at The Kia Forum in Inglewood, California.
Her attendance at major industry events like Tudum indicates her ongoing relationship with major streaming platforms and her involvement in future high-profile projects.
It is impossible to discuss Moreno’s career without acknowledging the foundation laid by Maria Full of Grace. Her performance in the 2004 film not only earned her an Oscar nomination—a rarity for a debut performance—but also a Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival.
That role, which dealt with the perilous journey of a young Colombian woman who becomes a drug mule, established her as an actress with profound emotional range and a commitment to authentic storytelling. Her subsequent roles, including her work in Steven Soderbergh’s two-part biopic Che (2008) and the TV series The Affair, have consistently demonstrated this dedication to quality.
In 2025, Catalina Sandino Moreno is not just an actress; she is a dynamic force moving seamlessly between the high-stakes world of action cinema and the deep emotional resonance of prestige drama. Her current slate—from kicking butt in the John Wick universe to collaborating with Viola Davis—confirms that her career is reaching a powerful and fascinating peak.
The versatility she exhibits, moving from the intense drama of Maria Full of Grace to the genre thrills of Ballerina and From, solidifies her as one of the most essential and engaging international actresses working today. Fans and critics alike are watching closely to see which boundary she breaks next.
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