Witherspoon won a close race over Felicity Huffman in a gender-bending performance as a transsexual in “Transamerica.”

“Oh, my goodness I never thought I’d be here in my whole life growing up in Tennessee,” said Witherspoon, who like co-star Joaquin Phoenix as Carter’s soul mate, country legend Johnny Cash, handled her own singing in “Walk the Line.”

“People used to ask June how she was doing, and she would say I’m just trying to matter. I know what she means,” said Witherspoon, who told the audience the Oscar made her feel she was doing work that matters.

Reese Witherspoon hates empty-headed starlets who play dumb.

The actress, who famously played an airhead in the comedy ‘Legally Blonde’, is fed up of “silly” stars and thinks women need stronger role models who aren’t afraid to demonstrate their intelligence.

She stormed: “We need positive role models.

“Women can be sexy, smart and successful without being silly and aimless.”

Reese - who has been nominated for an Oscar for her performance in Johnny Cash biopic ‘Walk The Line’ - insists she works hard to be a good role model to her fans.

She told Britain’s Grazia magazine: “I try to live in a way that I think would make women appreciate what they can accomplish.”

Reese Witherspoon and husband Ryan Philippe have attended marriage counselling reports show.

The beautiful actress has confessed the pair - who have two children, Ava, 6, and two-year-old Deacon - needed help keeping their relationship on track. She also admitted they still have to work hard to keep their romance fresh.

Reese revealed: “Sure we’ve had counselling. But it’s healthy to deal with problems that come up when you’re living with another human being and forging your lives together.” “We see our marriage not as a free ride but as a partnership you work on. You need to discuss things and be open about how to make each other feel good and happy.”

The screen beauty, who has been nominated for an Oscar for her performance in the Johnny biopic ‘Walk The Line’, insists the secret to a happy marriage is to deal with life’s little obstacles as a team.

Reese explained to Britain’s Grazia magazine: “Love is a beautiful thing but you’ve got to nurture it through the 50 things that come during the day, like driving the kids to school, who’s picking up the in-laws from the airport and working when one of your kids is running a high fever.

“Those are the normal things that stress every couple.”

Legally Blonde actress Reese Witherspoon has surpassed Hollywood superstar Julia Roberts to become the highest paid actress of all time. The Just Like Heaven star, will earn $29 million for upcoming horror film Our Family Trouble - beating the $24 million 38-year-old Roberts was reportedly paid for Mona Lisa Smile. The 29-year-old is widely tipped to win the Best Actress award for Walk The Line at Sunday’s Academy Awards ceremony for her acclaimed role in the Johnny Cash biopic.