A part of me still says, 'Maybe, Denzel, you're supposed to preach. Maybe you're still compromising.' I've had an opportunity to play great men and, through their words, to preach. I take what talent I've been given seriously, and I want to use it for good.

I've always felt protected. That's the God's honest truth.

We know what hair smells like when a hot comb hits it. That's a cultural thing. We know what that smells like on Sunday mornings, usually church-related or something. In my house, it was getting ready for church and your sister was getting her hair fried.

Even though the story [Fences] is set during the 1950s, some contemporary women might have trouble understanding her decision.

I'll be working with Ridley's [Scott] brother, Tony, again, someone who needless to say we've had a great amount of success together. I trust him - so I won't have to think about it or I'll try not to.

Do what you have to do, to do what you want to do.

That's what I tell young actors. "You don't have to compromise. Go do some theater and wait for an appropriate role."