Winslet family predicted Meryl Streep win

Kate Winslet was convinced she would lose out on the Best Actress Oscar to Meryl Streep, because her own mum worked out the odds leaned in favour of the veteran star.

Winslet was named Best Actress for her role in 'The Reader' on Sunday - taking the prestigious prize home for the first time despite having five nominations under her belt.

But before the ceremony, Winslet was terrified she would once again walk away empty-handed - after her mother Sally theorised that Streep was due a win.

The 'Kramer Vs Kramer' star has received 15 Academy Award nominations, more than any other actor or actress in the history of the prizegiving, but has only won two statuettes.

Sally explains: "I was a bit worried! At the last minute, I thought Meryl might get it. She has had so many nominations but she only won two."

And the actress insists she was taken aback by her victory: "I honestly didn't expect it. When you're in a category with Meryl Streep, you really just think, 'Oh well. She's Meryl Streep! She's Meryl!' It's not supposed to be possible."