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Oscar-nominated Spanish film stars Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem, who are longtime friends, have started dating.
Spanish weekly Hola published photos of Cruz, 33, in a black bikini beside Bardem, 38, wearing black swimming trunks, while on holiday in the Maldives.
The Volver actress was accompanied by her new boyfriend to the New York Film Festival at the weekend, and despite trying to keep a low profile, they couldn't keep their hands off each other.
"They were very touchy-feely," one onlooker told the New York Post newspaper.
"They held hands when they thought no one was watching, and she kissed his cheek, and he put his arm around her."
The happy couple were joined by Bono on Saturday night for the premiere party of Javier's new film No Country for Old Men at Gabriel's restaurant.
Penelope, 33, and Javier, 38, sat in the back room all night and left together.
Representatives for both stars declined to comment.
The two Spanish actors met on the set of Woody Allen's new Spanish film, co-starring Scarlett Johansson, which is due out next year and is as yet untitled.
Penelope has previously dated Tom Cruise, Matthew McConaughey and was linked earlier this year to British heartthrob Orlando Bloom.
- BANG! SHOWBIZ
