When I did A Soldier's Story, I was very young and green and thought I knew everything-now I know I know everything!

My faith helps me understand that circumstances don't dictate my happiness, my inner peace.

It's simple: You get a part. You play a part. You play it well. You do your work and you go home. And what is wonderful about movies is that once they're done, they belong to the people. Once you make it, it's what they see. That's where my head is at.

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

My mother never gave up one me. I messed up in school so much they were sending me home, but my mother sent me right back.

I've always seen it to be a privilege to make movies. It's a really expensive, creative medium.

Don't be afraid to fail big, to dream big.