It's so weird to turn on a switch and be the role model for all women, for all African-Americans. That doesn't happen that easily. It does not. So I don't act up in public and don't do anything weird, because my sisters are watching me. Not because the world is watching me.

I live my life because I dare. I dare to show up when everyone else might hide their faces and hide their bodies in shame.

They try to paint the picture that I was this downtrodden, ugly girl who was unpopular in school and in life, and then I got this role and now I’m awesome. But the truth is that I’ve been awesome, and then I got this role.

Well, I'm certainly glad that I was nominated for an Oscar. There is certainly a respect that comes with that nod. Also, a compliment that comes with it, too. Not that I really know what I'm doing. In a lot of ways I feel like some child on set, or like a kid that snuck in the back door.

I show up because I’m an asshole, and I want to have a good time.

If they hadn’t tried to break me down, I wouldn’t know that I’m unbreakable.

I think people look at me and don't expect much. Even though, I expect a whole lot.