KATE WINSLET - WINSLET FULFILLED CHILDHOOD OSCAR DREAM

A young KATE WINSLET credits an inspirational OSCAR speech by WHOOPI GOLDBERG with helping her become a cinema star.

Goldberg presented the ACADEMY AWARDS in 1994 - when Winslet was merely a teenager dreaming of big screen glory - and assured aspiring actors watching they could one day join Hollywood's elite if they pursue their dreams.

And Winslet - who's up for the Best Actress gong for her performance in ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND at this month's (27FEB05) ceremony - insists Goldberg's rousing speech gave her added drive to succeed in the movie industry.

She says, "I never cease to be completely overwhelmed, bowled over and amazed to be nominated for anything.

"I remember Whoopi Goldberg presenting the Academy Awards one year when I was younger, and at the end she said, 'To all those kids out there who are wondering if, one day, they could be sitting in this room: you can be.'

"So (to be nominated for an Oscar) proves there is possibility, there is magic. I'm completely stunned, humbled and thrilled."