Kidman Unwavering Support For Pal

Oscar-winner Nicole Kidman is supporting her best pal Naomi Watts as the blonde beauty gears up to win an Academy Award.

British-born Watt has been nominated for Best Actress for her role in 21 Grams at this year's ceremony.

As a young starlet, Watts was ready to pack Hollywood in after a series of rejections - but was persuaded to stay and remain optimistic by Australian Kidman.

Watts, 35, says, "If it wasn't for Nicole, I probably would have packed it all up, gone back to Australia and tried my hand at something else.

"That's how dejected I was getting."

Watts - who followed Kidman to Hollywood 10 years ago and struggled to emulate her success - has seen her star ascend in recent years due to roles in Mulholland Drive and The Ring.

Kidman says about her twenty-year friendship with Watts, "We've shared boyfriends, break-ups and bottles of wine when we thought our lives were over.

"She came to my premieres or she'd come to Tom (Cruise's) premieres and supported me.

"Finally to be able to give back to her on the same level is lovely."