HEARTTHROB Javier Bardem reduced girlfriend Penelope Cruz to tears with a romantic eulogy.

The Spanish Oscar winner made the impassioned public tribute on receiving the best actor award at the Cannes Film Festival.

On picking up the coveted gong for his role in Biutiful, Bardem, 41, turned to Cruz and commenced his heartfelt speech.

“I share this joy with my friend, my companion, my love: Penelope: I owe you a lot and I love you so much,” he said.

Cruz visibly welled up and the smooth-talker concluded his testimony by blowing a kiss, which his Spanish lover duly returned.

Until now, the stars have remained tight-lipped about their relationship, which began in 2007. Bardem shared the award with Italian actor Elio Hermano.

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