Penelope Cruz and Kate Winslet's unique camaraderie

Hollywood actresses Kate Winslet and Penelope Cruz have struck up a surprisingly close friendship in the run-up to this year's Oscars despite only having met three times.

Hollywood actresses Kate Winslet and Penelope Cruz have struck up a surprisingly close friendship in the run-up to this year's Oscars despite only having met three times.

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The unlikely pair, who are both competing in this year's Best Supporting Actress category, have been offering each other phone support daily in the countdown to the prestigious show, reports contactmusic.com.

Cruz insists she and Winslet enjoy a far-from-bitter relationship rubbishing their rivalry rumours.

"Kate and I have become very close even though we have only met three times. Everyone likes to think there's rivalry between us but that's not true," Cruz said.

Cruz is nominated for her part in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and Winslet received the nod for her role in The Reader.

The Academy Awards ceremony will take place in Los Angeles Feb 22.