I love research and being educated. It's a great job being able to step into all kinds of professions and into other people's shoes.

I have a new respect for filmmakers, that's for sure, 'cause it's not easy. If I'm allowed to, I'll be directing for the rest of my life. I love the process.

We just had to stay out-of-the-way [in Fences]. [August Wilson] already wrote a masterpiece. And you really don't know how it's going to work until you get it in front of an audience.

If I am a cup maker, I'm interested in making the best cup I possibly can. My effort goes into that cup, not what people think about it.

I'm from around Tennessee. I ran away when I was 12 years old and I ain't never looked back.

Denzel Washington: I like the collaboration, I like seeing people do well, so I really plan to direct the rest of my days.

[Having monologue] are talking to somebody even if it's just to yourself, convince yourself if that's what you're trying to do.