'Why her? Again!'

In 2012, Meryl became only the second actress in history to obtain a third Academy Award - just behind the late Katharine Hepburn, who has four - after taking on the role of formidable British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 'The Iron Lady'.

In her speech she joked: "Oh come on! Thank you, thank you. When they called my name I could hear half of America going 'Why her? Again?' But whatever!"

Despite her incredible achievements in Hollywood in the years since, Meryl - who has been married to Don Gummer since 1978, with whom she has four children - has no real intention to retire.

She said: "Would I tell my husband, 'OK. That's it. I'm not going to work anymore. Let's find a place to retire!'

"I have had a wonderful time raising four children, and I've also been lucky to have the support of a wonderful husband. The good thing about getting older is that when they do cast you, it's often something interesting you're no longer asked to be the beautiful leading lady!"