• Antonio Banderas' stepdaughter, Dakota Johnson, 33, still calls him "Paponio" and "Papi" despite his divorce from her mother, Melanie Griffith.

• Dakota made a speech for her stepfather in front of a crowd that brought tears to one's eyes.

• Antonio commented emotionally on his bond with his stepdaughter.

Dakota Johnson was Melanie Griffith's daughter of her first ex-husband, Don Johnson. The older actress also had a son, Alexander Bauer, with her other ex-husband, Steven Bauer, and with her third ex-husband, Antonio Banderas, she had Stella.

In 2020, Antonio discussed his marriage to Griffith, which ended in 2015 after they had been together for 20 years. "The Mask of Zorro" actor noted how the actress might not be his wife any longer, but his best friend.

Dakota Johnson, Antonio Banderas, and Melanie Griffith at the Los Angeles premiere of "Shrek 2" on May 8, 2004, in Westwood, California | Source: Getty Images

He revealed he still loved her and said it would remain so until he died because she was his "family." While together, Antonio helped Griffith to raise his stepchildren, Alexander and Dakota.

The "Pain and Glory" star might not have been Dakota's biological father, but he loved her like he was. Despite the divorce from Griffith, Antonio remained close to the mother-and-daughter pair, and the bond he shared with his stepdaughter was palpable.

Banderas Got Emotional Talking about Bond with Stepdaughter Dakota

Antonio and Dakota had a bond that surpassed the years despite her not being his biological child. On December 13, 2022, the "Shrek" star shared lovely memories of the years spent with his stepdaughter.

Antonio Banderas with his step-daughter Dakota Johnson during the Copa del Ray regatta on August 6, 2000 | Source: Getty Images

During an interview, the actor revealed how Dakota called him "Paponio," a mash-up of the Spanish word for "father," "Papi," and the star's first name! When asked about the 2022 festivities, the actor said he and his stepdaughter didn't have plans to get together.

The "Puss in Boots" star explained that it was mainly because she had become quite busy and was always working. Antonio mentioned that the last two meet-ups were at film festivals!

However, in 2019, the "Fifty Shades of Grey" actress honored him with the Hollywood Actor Award at the Hollywood Film Awards for his role in "Pain And Glory." The moment held a special place in his heart as he recalled her giving him "one of the most beautiful speeches."

Dakota Johnson and Antonio Banderas at the 11th APJ Festival Gala on September 7, 2019, in Toronto, Canada | Source: Getty Images

Antonio was touched and grateful to know what she thought about her "Papi." What Griffith's daughter had to say was quite touching and very moving, and it was clear that it was from the bottom of her heart.

Dakota's Speech for Her Stepfather Antonio That Brings Tears to the Eyes

At the Hollywood Film Awards, Dakota recalled how Antonio was fun, vibrant, and funny when he first stepped into their lives. The actress jokingly called his English back then "abstract," and the family found that amazing!

Antonio Banderas and Dakota Johnson in the press room during the 23rd Annual Hollywood Film Awards on November 3, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

Griffith's daughter said Antonio loved her mother and siblings so "fiercely," "loud," and "big" it changed their lives forever! When her family married the actor, they joined a union with Spain, their Spanish friends and family, and flamenco dancing.

The social media user also acknowledged that it wasn't usual to witness in Hollywood.

They also took on an almost 40-year collaboration with Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar. She then went on to list the more than eight films her stepfather had collaborated on with Almodóvar before, noting how their relationship as actor/director was enduring.

Dakota Johnson and Antonio Banderas at The Hollywood Foreign Press Association and The Hollywood Reporter party at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2019, in Toronto, Canada | Source: Getty Images

Dakota emotionally noted how the filmmaker's best movie was "Pain And Glory" while also mentioning what a great actor her father was, calling the film his "finest performance." Calling Antonio "Papi," she said her family was in awe, proud, and loved him forever, before saying it was her "honor" to give him the award.

Fans who replied to the YouTube video of the speech were so moved that one person said they'd "shed a tear" when Dakota called Antonio "Papi." Another person loved the endearment too.

The fan revealed how they appreciated hearing the actress express her affection and love for her former stepfather. The social media user also acknowledged that it wasn't usual to witness in Hollywood.

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