Nicole Kidman was "terrified" of breaking her rings when she clapped at the 2017 Oscars.

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman

The 49-year-old actress was likened to a seal when she congratulated the winners at the 89th Academy Awards, which took place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on February 26, but the reason for her unusual way of clasping her hands together was to avoid damaging the expensive Harry Winston diamond jewellery she adorned.

Speaking openly about the incident to Kyle and Jackie O Show on KIIS 106.5 FM, the golden-haired beauty said: "I was terrified of damaging my ring."

And the 'Australia' star found the moment "really awkward" because she was torn between clapping and running the risk of damaging her accessories, or not celebrating the win and being perceived as a bitter person.

She continued: "It was really awkward, and I was like: 'Gosh, I really want to clap'.

"I don't want to not be clapping, which would be worse right? Why isn't Nicole clapping?'

"So therefore I'm clapping but it was really difficult because I had this huge ring on which was not my own but was absolutely gorgeous and I was terrified of damaging it."

And that wasn't the only wardrobe worry Nicole - who was nominated for the Best Supporting Actress for her role in 'Lion' - had at the star-studded bash, as the strap on the back of her Armani Privé dress broke within minutes of getting in the car on route to the ceremony.

Speaking previously, she said: "I had a bit of a panic because my strap on my dress broke when I got in the car."

Meanwhile, Nicole feels "so lucky" to be married to Keith Urban, with who she has children Sunday, eight, and Faith, six, together, and has praised their "absolute commitment and kindness" to each other for their 11 years of marriage.

She said: "Keith and I always say that we are just so lucky to have each other. In this world, to be able to come back to that love and that strength is so nourishing and powerful.

"And I am coming up an 11-year wedding anniversary, 12 years together, and that's a big thing. And that is through absolute commitment and kindness, the desire to protect and help each other, what our relationship is."

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