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Matthew McConaughey [Photo/Agencies]

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The star won the Best Actor Oscar for his performance as an AIDS patient in the movie, and director Jean-Marc Vallée claims when he got on board he became the driving force behind getting it made - a process which had taken almost 20 years.

He told People magazine: "He became the engine that pulls the train out of the station and brings it to its destination."

And behind the 44-year-old star - who lost 47lbs for his role in the movie - is his family, and Jean-Marc says his wife, Camila Alves, is a huge influence on him.

He added: "[She was there] helping him with his diet and just being there for him."

Director Richard Linklater - who cast Matthew in his breakout role in 'Dazed and Confused' in the 90s - added: "[In Hollywood] you'll have people around you who want other things for you, but [Camila] will approach it as, 'What does Matthew want?' "

The actor's mother, Kay, 82, says she always knew he would be a star.

She said: "Matthew was always so driven."