We're living in a time where we want to be entertained but I think part of what people are looking for, that they don't even know they're looking for is to be uplifted in many ways.

I have this vision that I'm really watching each one of my daughters start to become women, and mothers. And this is what's gonna save our planet.

I take things very seriously, and I give myself time to come down and to ramp up, and it's an inside spiritual journey for me. I feel like acting is a way of feeling your personality, and it's really special. Special to have this kind of effect on people. You can only have that effect if you're really outside of yourself. You can't look at yourself and do what I do at the same time. I have done it that way in the past, but it doesn't really work. I can only soar within the parameters of time, and I use music analogies.

I feel that we have come a long way as American people, and we have to start looking at ourselves as human beings.

It was amazing to be nominated by the Academy who saw fit for me to be nominated for best supporting actor. The Critic's choice award was wonderful. I'm on cloud nine.

I try to be careful with my persuasiveness. When my heart is really behind it, and when I have no ulterior motive, then I know I’m truly persuasive.

What helps me is yogic breathing, dropping my spiritual level where I am really, really clear that I am playing a character.