If you're going to play a cowboy, show up with the horse at the audition

I truly believe that all power corrupts. Such is probably the thinking behind every political film ever made in Hollywood.

The essence of the stage is concentration and penetration. Of the screen action, movement, sweep.

I want to thank the Academy for its courage and generosity.

I've come to believe that everything worth achieving is beyond one's capacity - or seems so at first. The thing is to persist, not back off, fight your fight, pay your dues, and carry on. Effort is all; continue and you may get there despite everything.

A good director's not sure when he gets on the set what he's going to do.

I was not what you'd call a first-class actor, but I did all right.