New York, Dec 7 (IANS) Jodie Foster has intensified rumours that she might be gay after she thanked film producer Cydney Bernard while accepting a leadership award.

The actress received the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award at the 16th Annual Women in Entertainment breakfast in Beverly Hills. Foster, who is known to protect her privacy ferociously, gave a surprisingly candid acceptance speech when she thanked 'my beautiful Cydney, who sticks with me through all the rotten and the bliss'.

Pagesix.com reports that the 'Silence of the Lambs' actor has always raised speculation that she was gay and was even featured on the cover of Out magazine which sought to answer 'Why the stars won't come out and play'.

Cydney has often been photographed along with Foster and reports claims this might be Foster's way of ending speculation once and for all.