Newly enamored "Sahara" co-stars Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz are unwinding from the sweaty Moroccan heat in Rome.

Speaking to reporters at the debut of the adventure film, McConaughey was taken aback when reporters asked his Latin co-star to name her favorite on-screen kisser. She hesitated a moment before naming her South African Oscar-winning "Head In The Clouds" co-star, Charlize Theron, Hellomagazine.com reported Tuesday.

"Can I say Charlize Theron?," she said. "Yes, Charlize, Charlize, Charlize!"

The 30-year-old former girlfriend of Tom Cruise admitted shooting her latest project included some boredom-induced anxiety that led her one night to demand the crew play charades.

"I had to insist for hours before they agreed to play," she said. "I was forced to relax."