Hollywood actress Eva Mendes has said she once cried before filming a sex scene as she was so nervous.

The 35-year-old admitted that she was upset before filming the scene with Joaquin Phoenix in movie We Own The Night as she was so nervous.

She said to UK magazine Reveal: “He had to kiss my bare breast and put his hand in between my legs. I look as if I’m really into it, but I was crying before it was filmed.

“I was so nervous and became emotional and the director asked me: ‘What can I do?’ I said: ‘There is a little Catholic girl still inside me.’ And he replied: ‘Tell her to go home.’

“He ordered a large vodka and orange and I drank it and got on with the scene. I didn’t hold back. But once it was over, I was thinking: ‘Oh my God! My dad cannot see this movie!”