Keisha longs for real life

By STUART DYE

After all the hoop-la, Keisha Castle-Hughes just wants to get back to normal.

Keisha may not have won an Oscar, but she captured the hearts and imaginations of Hollywood, said her agent Graham Dunster.

He has been inundated with calls from film-makers, directors and producers offering roles in new films.

"There's an awful lot of interest in Keisha in town," Mr Dunster told the Herald from Los Angeles yesterday.

But Keisha is more interested in getting back to her mates at Penrose High.

"She's basically exhausted," Mr Dunster said. "The last week has been so intense, so much publicity, so many people to meet.

"Keisha has been working incredibly demanding hours. She needs to sleep for a couple of days to recharge her batteries."

The 13-year-old was "blown away" by the occasion and was not in the least upset not to have won.

"She had a really good time, met some amazing people and a number of extremely high-profile people were very supportive."

Keisha is relaxing - and avoiding media - before flying home. She is due back on Friday.

And she will be bringing back a mountain of goodies with her.

The youngest person to be nominated in the Oscars Best Actor category has been showered with handbags, shoes, clothes, flowers, jewellery, make-up and chocolate.

"There's three rooms full of stuff and they have no idea how to get it all home," said Nicky Hughes, Keisha's aunt.

Air New Zealand stepped up yesterday and offered to waive the excess baggage fare for the family, with Keisha expected to have 20 bags.

Keisha's family said they were planning a special gathering to welcome her home.

After that it would be back to normal though "it will be a bit weird", said Mrs Hughes.