Halle Berry has claimed that she still has to fight for movie roles because of her skin colour.

Despite being the first black woman to win an Oscar for best actress in 2002, she insists that race remains an issue with some Hollywood studios.

She said: "It doesn't matter that I have an Oscar, an Emmy, a Golden Globe and a Silver [Berlin] Bear.

"I shouldn't have had to try so hard to be considered. I should have to stop convincing studios I am right for it - it should be on my acting merit."

Berry - who is half-white, half-African-American - added: "Not having a chance is what I can't live with at this point in my career, I think I have earned that."

She is currently expecting her first child with partner Gabriel Aubry.