According to Ryan Murphy , Donatella Versace was very supportive that Penélope Cruz played her role . As Cruz and Versace are friends , Murphy explained that , when he offered her the role , Cruz asked the permission of Versace before agreeing to do it . He also revealed that , while Cruz was representing the series at the 75th Golden Globe Awards , Versace " very graciously sent her a lovely and huge flower arrangement saying ' good luck . ' "
75th Golden Globe Awards
75th Golden Globe Awards
The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story