Before beginning work on the score for “Volver,” director Pedro Almodovar gave this advice to composer Alberto Iglesias: “Just be as close as possible to the main character, Raimunda (Penelope Cruz).

MADRID — Five days after missing out on a foreign-language Oscar nom for “Volver,” Pedro Almodovar saw large home-turf compensation. “Volver” snagged best film, actress (Penelope Cruz), original score ...