Actress Jennifer Aniston says she had to do `everything` to get her `hat in the ring` for the lead role in `Cake`.

She says the role was offered to other actresses before she fought to put herself in contention for the role of Claire Bennett, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Speaking to website Collider, the actress said: "'Cake' tops my list of experiences, and I've had some extraordinary experiences. It wasn't a knock-down, drag-out fight, but it was offered to other actresses that you would expect a part like that would go to."

"It just really grabbed me hard, and I just knew that I wanted to do everything I possibly could to just get my hat in the ring. That moment happened when I could sit in the room with (director) Daniel (Barnz), and I said, 'I will take no shortcuts. I will go to the moon and back. I know what this requires.' And god love him,` he added.

Aniston has already picked up Best Actress nominations at the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild for her performance in the film.