That is disputed by Maura Payne, spokeswoman for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco USA.
The star, Carmen Maura, is not surprised by the American response.
Almodovar first attracted attention outside of Spain with his third film, "Dark Habits," in which Maura played a bongo-playing nun.
"She is full of joy, love, very rambunctious and very giving," said nurse Maura Mahon, who cared for Ogechi her first year.
The best actress award went to Carmen Maura of Spain for her role in "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown," directed by Pedro Almodovar.
On a trip to Erin, the bluegrass banjo star Bela Fleck befriended a soprano from County Clare named Maura O'Connell and helped persuade her to settle in Nashville.