Washington, Feb 02 : Penelope Cruz has dismissed claims of a feud between herself and fellow actress Kate Winslet, insisting the pair has become `very close'.

The actresses - who are both nominated for Oscars - Cruz, Best Supporting Actress for her role in Vicky Cristina Barcelona; Winslet, Best Actress for her role in The Reader
- have been on the phone daily, offering each other support in the run-up to the awards ceremony on February 22.

Cruz revealed that though Kate and she have met just thrice they have become very close pals.

"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," Contactmusic quoted Cruz, as saying. (ANI)