"The Cider House Rules" is with 7 nominations one of the favourites for the Oscars on March 26.

BZ: 10 days until the Oscars. Can you still sleep?

Lasse: I have no time to be nervous. But when I am the sitting on my place, the excitement comes.

BZ: The movie is based on a John-Iriving-Novel. How was working with him?

Lasse: Wonderful because we have the same sort of humor. At the beginning I wasn't sure if I should really do the movie. Who dares to give an author like Irving instructions how to transform the story.

BZ: In "Gilbert Grape" you already dealt with growing up. Why now again?

Lasse: I am looking for stories that touch my heart. Everybody remembers how growing up was like. For some it's a difficult step, for others it's easier. Not everybody who feels grown up is it.

BZ: Was it difficult for you?

Lasse: There was no drastic experience. A part of me has always been a child.

BZ: Leonardo DiCaprio 18 in "Gilbert Grape". Did you expect he would become a big star?

Lasse: Leonardo had already on that time unbelievable much talent. He played the mentally retarded boy that convincing that many people thought he was really like that. He even got an oscar-nomination.

BZ: Do you think he can deal with the sudden fame?

Lasse: I met him only recently. he made a very normal impression. But it's certainly difficult for him.

BZ: Are you never homesick for Sweden?

Lasse: I live in the US because movies from America reach a bigger audience. But I miss Sweden. Twice a year I am going home.