Eddie Redmayne felt ''galvanised'' by the transgender community while researching his latest film role.

The actor plays transgender artist Lili Elbe in new drama 'The Danish Girl' and met with many members of the community to prepare for the part.

Speaking at a press conference at the Venice Film Festival, he said it was ''the most brilliant education. Their kindness and support galvanised me''.

The Oscar-winning actor felt a great deal of responsibility to play the part as authentically as possible.

He added: ''The fulcrum of it was this person being brave enough to live a life authentic.''

The British star previously revealed that the transgender community was very open with him in his research, saying: ''People were so kind and generous with their experience, but also so open. Virtually all of the trans men and women I met would say 'Ask me anything.'

Eddie, 33, also praised Caitlyn Jenner for her ''courage'' after the high-profile reality TV star revealed her own transition in April.

He said: ''I absolutely salute her courage. Hers is a very specific story, and it's one that shouldn't stand for everybody's. But it is amazing what she's gone through and how she's done it. It's a civil rights movement.''