Cruz's rush decision over Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Woody Allen gave Penelope Cruz just two hours to read the script for his film Vicky Cristina Barcelona and decide if she wanted a role in the project.

The filmmaker sent the actress a copy asking her to take on the role of an unstable artist - on the condition she return the manuscript within a strict two-hour time period.

But Cruz, who is now nominated for an Oscar for the role, insists she didn't think twice about accepting his offer once she finished reading the screenplay.

She says, "He sent me a script and told me I had to return it in two hours and say whether I wanted to do the film or not by the end of the day. I read it, loved it, sent it back and said that I wanted to do it. I have loved his work since I was a little girl and always dreamt of working with him."

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