HOLLYWOOD, March 17 (UPI) -- Oscar-nominated teen actress Keisha Castle-Hughes has completed filming her scenes for the next installment of the "Star Wars" fantasy series.
In her first appearance in the film franchise, Castle-Hughes plays the queen of Naboo in "Star Wars Episode III," MTV reported on its Web site Wednesday.
The character succeeds Natalie Portman's Queen Amidala character on the throne.
"I love roles with a challenge," Castle-Hughes said. "I have this theory that if I do things that I know are a challenge, it will make me feel like I'm working harder. (For the role), I tried on these shoes that were too small and were killing my feet. And (the staff) was like, 'So how are the shoes?' And I said, 'Fine, thank you.' So to me my feet being sore somehow made me feel like I was working harder."
The New Zealand native earned an Academy Award nomination for her stunning debut performance in the 2003 independent film "Whale Rider." At 13, she is the youngest actress ever to be nominated for a Best Actress Oscar.
The "Star Wars" film is scheduled to hit theaters in spring 2005.
