Cape Town - South African actress Charlize Theron has been nominated for an Oscar for best actress.

Theron's portrayal of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in the movie Monster saw her walk away with the Golden Globe Award on Sunday.

"This is so crazy. I'm from a farm in South Africa. This is insane," said Theron after receiving the Golden Globe. She was rendered virtually unrecognisable in the movie by a complete body and facial makeover.

The Benoni bombshell is now regarded as a favourite to win the Oscar next month.

Other nominees in the category for best actress include Diane Keaton for Something's Gotta Give, Naomi Watts for 21 Grams, Keisha Castle Hughes for Whale Rider and Samantha Morton for In America.

Before the glitz

She grew up on a farm outside Benoni as an only child. When she was 15, her mother shot her father in self-defence, after he threatened to kill them both in a drunken rage. Theron's father died, but her mother was never charged.

When she was 18, Theron's mom Gerda persuaded her to go to Los Angeles to try a career in the movie industry.

She was discovered at a bank in Hollywood Boulevard, and her career has skyrocketed.

Theron's film credits include, That Thing You Do!, The Astronaut's Wife, The Legend Of Bagger Vance, Cider House Rules, The Italian Job, Sweet November and The Devil's Advocate.

And now there might be an Oscar waiting for the 28-year-old star. The Academy Awards ceremony takes place on February 29.