Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts says Nicole Kidman is "inspirational".

The 44-year-old actress admits 'The Paperboy' star gave her the motivation to push herself in the movie industry because she watched her sail to success throughout their 20-year friendship and wanted to follow in her footsteps.

She said: "It's inspirational [having a friend in the same industry as you] - definitely. When you've known them and come from the same place, it's inspirational. Nicole had already reached a level of success back in Australia so she was always an inspiration.

"Then over in America she became more so. Our friendship really developed when we were living in America, even though we knew each other back [in Australia]. She was a source of real encouragement."

The 'Diana' star is convinced Nicole is the main reason for her film success because she kept pushing her to pursue her career.

She told Empire magazine: "She always said it could be just one thing that would change everything and she was right. At the time it didn't make much sense to me. I always thought you built your career, which of course you do, but it can be just one thing that turns it on its head."