Leonardo DiCaprio has admitted he'd love to bag an Oscar - but it's not what motivates him.

Hollywood's highest paid actor, Leonardo has been nominated for an Academy Award three times.

"I don't think anyone would say that they wouldn't want one. I think they would be lying," the star said.

But Leonardo, 35, who could be nominated again for his title role in Clint EastWood's J Edgar Hoover biopic, said: "I don't think I ever expected anything like an Oscar ever, to tell you the truth. That is not my motivation when I do these roles.

"I really am motivated by being able to work with great people and create a body of work that I can look back and be proud of.

"I grew up when I was 15 when I had my first opportunity in movies. I watched every great movie for a year and a half, and since then I've asked myself how I can emulate such artistry.

"That's really my motivation. I want to do something as good as my heroes have done."

:: J Edgar is in cinemas now.