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Javier to Skip Oscars Over Girlfriend Cruz

Star wants to avoid awkward encounter with girlfriend

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 21, 2009 4:22 PM CST

(Newser) – Javier Bardem will be a no-show at the Oscars to avoid an awkward run-in with girlfriend Penelope Cruz, OK! reports. Tradition dictates that Bardem, last year’s Best Supporting Actor, should present this year’s Best Supporting Actress award, possibly to nominee Cruz, his Vicky Cristina Barcelona co-star. But Bardem “doesn’t want to acknowledge his relationship with Penelope,” says E! News anchor Giuliana Rancic.

"They’re a couple that likes to stay under the radar and so meeting on the Oscars stage would blow their cover," adds Rancic. "Would Javier kiss Penelope if she won? Would they hug? Would they shake hands? He's worried it could be an awkward scene.” But E! says Bardem will skip the ceremony because of prior work commitments in his native Spain.

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In this image released by The Weinstein Company, Penelope Cruz stars as Maria Elena in a scene from "Vicky Cristina Barcelona." (AP Photo/The Weinstein Co., Victor Bello)

Actress Penelope Cruz attends a special screening of the new film by director Woody Allen, "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)

Javier Bardem, right, a cast member in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," poses with Spanish actor Jordi Molla at the post-premiere party for the film in Los Angeles, Monday, Aug. 4, 2008. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Penelope Cruz, a cast member in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," is interviewed at the premiere of the film in Los Angeles, Monday, Aug. 4, 2008. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

U.S. film director Woody Allen, right, and Spanish actor Javier Bardem, seen, during a press conference promoting his new film, ''Vicky Cristina Barcelona' in Barcelona, Spain. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

In this image released by The Weinstein Co., Javier Bardem, left, Penelope Cruz, foreground, Scarlett Johansson and Woody Allen, right, are shown on the set of "Vicky Cristina Barcelona." (AP Photo/The Weinstein Co., Victor Bello)

U.S. film director Woody Allen, center, Actress Penelope Cruz, left, and actor Javier Bardem pose for photographers before the screening of their film 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona' in Barcelona, Spain. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

The poster for Woody Allen's "Vicky Cristina Barcelona." (MovieWeb)

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The trailer for "Vicky Cristina Barclona," starring Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz. (YouTube)

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Javier to Skip Oscars Over Girlfriend Cruz