Delight for Penelope and Javier as they celebrate baby boy

The high-profile pair have yet to confirm the name of their first child, who was born on January 22 at the Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, USA.

A spokeswoman for the Oscar-winning couple confirmed the sex of their first child last night.

Penelope (36) and Javier (41) welcomed their first son into their family last week, she said, confirming Spanish press reports.

"Both parents and baby are doing great," she added.

It is understood that the birth was a crowded affair, with plenty of family members close by for moral support.

Javier's mother reportedly flew over from Spain for the happy occasion and it is understood that Penelope's mother, brother and sister were also present.

"The couple want to have as much privacy as possible," a source close to the Spanish pair revealed.

"Friends of Bardem began to suspect the baby was born when the actor did not respond to any calls to congratulate him on his Oscar nomination."

The birth came just three days before Bardem received his third Academy Award nomination, for his performance in the film Biutiful.

In 2007, he won Best Supporting Actor for No Country For Old Men, while his wife took the Best Supporting Actress in 2008 for Vicky Cristina Barcelona, directed by Woody Allen.

The pair were married at an intimate ceremony in the Bahamas last July after dating for three years. They had first met on the set of Spanish film Jamon, Jamon in 1992.

hnews@herald.ie