Movie heart-throb TOM CRUISE is snubbing the OSCARS - because ex- wife NICOLE KIDMAN will be the star of the show. The VANILLA SKY (2001) actor, 39, was expected to attend the Academy Awards with Spanish lover Penélope Cruz, 27. But he has now told organisers he won't make the glittering night at Hollywood's Kodak Theater on 24 March (2002), where Nicole is up for Best Actress for her role in MOULIN ROUGE (2001).

According to Britain's The Sun newspaper, a source close to the actor says, "He's aware the Oscars are really going to be Nicole's night. He doesn't want to get into any embarrassing situations by going with Penelope. The cameras would zoom in on him if Nicole wins and he doesn't want that publicity. He is also making sure Penelope doesn't feel uncomfortable being around his ex. "

Australian beauty Nicole's career has soared since she split from Cruise, her husband of 11 years, last year (2001). She has already picked up a Golden Globe for her all-singing, all-dancing role in BAZ LUHRMANN's high-octane musical and has also garnered a string of nominations for her lead in spooky chiller OTHERS, the (2001). But Nicole won't be walking up the famed red carpet with a man on Oscars night - she's expected to take her sister Antonia with her.

Source: WENN