Kate Winslet said she would not boycott the Oscars over the nominations race row because it could mean missing seeing "closest friend" Leonardo DiCaprio finally win.

The British Hollywood star, 40, appeared in 1997's blockbuster Titanic alongside DiCaprio, 41, who is nominated for the best actor Academy Award for his role in gritty Western The Revenant.

Winslet is herself nominated for best supporting actress for her role as Joanna Hoffman in Danny Boyle's biopic Steve Jobs.

The nominations for the Oscars at the end of February created a controversy after no black actors were shortlisted, with several big names saying they may boycott the ceremony in Los Angeles in protest.

Speaking at the London launch of her latest film, gritty US heist drama Triple 9, in which she plays a "nasty piece of work" Mafia gangster, Winslet said: "To be honest with you it has been such an extraordinary year for women I'd feel like I was letting my side down if I didn't go.

"And also I feel very strongly that it may possibly be Leo's year, and he is my closest friend in the world and I just couldn't imagine not being there to support him. And I think those are reasons enough really to show my face."

DiCaprio has been nominated for an Oscar six times but has yet to win.