Leo 'confused by Oscar ad controversy'

Melissa Leo has said that she is "confused" by the industry's negative reaction to her 'For Your Consideration' Oscar ads which appeared in multiple trade publications earlier this month.

Deadline previously reported that the actress - who is nominated for a 2011 Academy Award in the 'Best Supporting Actress' category for her role in The Fighter - used her own money to place the ads, in which she appears in several faux-fur coats, sparking controversy among animal activists throughout Hollywood.

However, speaking to The Daily Beast, Leo insisted that she took the independent approach as she considered it to be part of her job in promoting the film.

"I've been busting my ass, trying to get the movie sold and seen, and now I show up where they ask, get put into hair and make-up that they pay for, so I can promote this thing [and campaign]," she explained.

"So I'm a little confused. I thought this is what we're doing. This is what all the girls are doing. It didn't seem so nomination-oriented. It was fun."