Kate Winslet wasn't the first choice for the role of Hanna Schmitz, a Nazi prison guard, in 'The Reader.' Photo Credit: Splash NewsFebruary 19, 2009, (Sawf News) - Kate Winslet wasn't the first choice for the role of Hanna Schmitz, a Nazi prison guard, in The Reader.
The role, which won her an Oscar nomination for best actress in a leading role, was initially offered to Nicole Kidman, but she dropped out after becoming pregnant with baby daughter Sunday, reveals Harvey Weinstein, one of the three producers of the film.
Weinstein then screen tested French actress Marion Cotillard, who won an Oscar in 2007, and was impressed by her. He also checked on the availability of Australian actress Naomi Watts, and she was available.
It was only on British director Stephen Daldry's insistence that got Winslet, 34, the role.
The producers were uncomfortable with the choice of Winslet because she was already filming Revolutionary Road with Leonardo DiCaprio.
However, Daldry stood his ground.
"Stephen Daldry wanted to work with Kate," says Weinstein.
This is Winslet's sixth nomination but she has yet to win an award. If the Oscar eludes her this time around, she will end up becoming the most nominated non-winner!
The 81st Academy Awards will be presented on February 22 at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.
News Copyright © Sawf News. May not be reproduced without explicit written permission