Winslet nearly missed 'Reader' role

Kate Winslet nearly missed out on her Oscar-winning turn in 'The Reader' - as movie bosses feared she was too busy filming 'Revolutionary Road' to accept the role.

Film mogul Harvey Weinstein, whose company was behind the critically acclaimed picture, has revealed producers spoke to three other actresses before turning to Winslet.

Nicole Kidman was originally signed to the movie, but was forced to quit after she fell pregnant with her daughter, Sunday Rose, who was born last year.

Producers then turned to Marion Cotillard and Naomi Watts, before director Stephen Daldry suggested Winslet for the lead.

Weinstein said: "Before Kate came onboard, Anthony Minghella, myself and (producer) Scott Rudin had a conversation.

"I said 'Scott, she’s got 'Revolutionary Road'. I think we should have insurance.'

"I had Marion Cotillard, the French actress, go to Germany and shoot a screen test. She was great. Then we contacted Naomi Watts. She’s available. Then we redid the conversation and said these people are available.

"(But) Stephen Daldry wanted to work with Kate."

Winslet had already won a Golden Globe and a BAFTA Award for her performance as a concentration camp guard in 'The Reader' before taking the Best Actress gong at the Oscars last night.