Steve McQueen claims that Shame was snubbed at this year’s Oscars because “America is too scared of sex”.

McQueen directed the controversial drama starring Michael Fassbender as a sex addict.

Fassbender’s performance attracted critical acclaim and many tipped him to be in the running during awards season. However, Shame failed to be recognised by the Academy Awards and McQueen believes this is down to the movie’s graphic focus on sex.

“In America they're too scared of sex,” he is quoted as saying by Total Film. “That's why [Michael Fassbender] wasn't nominated. If you look at the best actor list you're saying, 'Michael Fassbender is not on that list?’”

This year, the best actor Oscar will be contested by George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Jean Dujardin, Gary Oldman and Demián Bichir.

McQueen is adamant that Fassbender deserved to receive a nomination for his work in Shame and he would love to work with him again in the future.

“He's a once in a generation actor. He's an actor who can transform and transcend, and you actually believe him. That's the kind of guy he is,” McQueen added.

“It's all about the script. If Michael's the right person for the character and if he likes the script. What I like about our relationship is it's not tied, it's not a marriage. It's friendship and it's done out of respect of each other's talents and each other's love of film.”

Meanwhile, Fassbender is developing a project about the mythical Celtic hero Cúchulainn.

Variety reports that the star is working on a script with Ronan Bennett – whose previous credits include Public Enemies.

Fassbender is also reported to be starring in the movie – which would be set in the 8th century in the north of Ireland.