GWYNETH PALTROW almost missed out on her Oscar for SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE - because she didn't want to risk falling out with her then lover BEN AFFLECK.

Hollywood's most famous on-again, off-again couple, who now claim they're not dating but are just good friends, were both dubious about signing up for the movie which won Paltrow a Best Actress Oscar - because they thought it might jinx their relationship. Affleck says, "We'd just started dating at the time, and there's that cliche where the relationship's over before the premiere and there's that awkward frosty moment when you have to stand there and say `Hi, how are you? And who's the new boyfriend?'"

And Paltrow adds during the shoot, Affleck was a little jealous of her love scenes with JOSEPH FIENNES. She laughs, "Ben was standing there watching us kiss. I remember him making a joke about life and art. He didn't look happy."(LE/WNV/NFA)

Source: WENN