Gwyneth Paltrow hides her OSCAR statuette away because it evokes both embarrassing and traumatic memories.

The SKY CAPTAIN AND THE WORLD OF TOMORROW star, who won the Best Actress ACADEMY AWARD in 1999 for her performance in Shakespeare In Love, famously broke down in tears onstage during her acceptance speech, much to the mirth of many commentators.

But rather than snub the criticism and proudly display her achievement, she keeps it well out of sight.

The 32-year-old says, "I keep it tucked away at the back of the bookshelf in my bedroom because it weirds me out. For weeks after I won I kept it in storage... I won't even put it on the mantlepiece, the thing freaks me out.

"For some reason, I haven't been able to feel really good about it. I just feel sort of embarrassed and it brings up weird, traumatic feelings. It's associated with a tough time in my life."

19/01/2005 13:53