Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts cement long term friendship with lengthy kiss at annual Women In Film event

Actresses Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts cemented their long term friendship with a lengthy kiss at the annual Women In Film's Crystal and Lucy Awards Gala.

Kidman, 47, embraced her friend Watts, 46, and lunged in for a kiss, much to the amusement of the audience, at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, Los Angeles.

Struggling to reach up, Watts grabbed hold of her friend’s neck as they embraced while wearing patterned shower caps.

The pair have been close friends for years, and back in April Watts told OK! that Kidman had helped her through a battle with crippling low self-esteem.

“I was lucky that Nicole Kidman was always there to support me, console me, keep my spirits up and help me believe in myself. She’s been such a good friend over the years,” she told the publication.

Paddington actress Kidman was honoured with the Crystal Award for Excellence in Film at last night’s soiree, where she was joined by her husband, and country singer, Keith Urban.

Also honoured at the fundraising dinner - which benefits educational and philanthropic programmes as well as celebrating women in the film industry who excel in their chosen field - was Selma director Ava DuVernay, The Martian actress Kate Mara and Transparent creator Jill Soloway.

Twilight actress Kristen Stewart was also in attendance and was reunited with the author of the vampire franchise, Stephenie Meyer.

The pair took to the stage to talk about all the Twilight-themed short films that women have created. A panel of judges, including themselves, Kate Winslet and Julie Bowen will select a winning piece which will premiere on Facebook.

Sandra Bullock, Regina King, Angie Harmon and Laura Linney were among the guests.