In Monster's Ball I went nude, which was scary, but I took the chance and that's how I like to approach my career.

I was black growing up in an all-white neighborhood, so I felt like I just didn't fit in. Like I wasn't as good as everybody else, or as smart, or whatever.

Throughout my career I have been talked out of things I wanted to do, and when I look back, I think I should have followed my instincts.

I think I am at my best when my hair is short. It's easier to take care of and more of who I am. Women are conditioned to think we need long hair.

I am so ready to be a mommy. I can't wait. I notice every little baby dress, every little baby toy, every little baby thing.

I'm a much better mother at 46... than if I were like, 21 or 25.

I archive a lot of my clothes and have them wrapped up and in boxes. I call them 'little tombs' and keep them in a storage space... I would never get rid of the dress I wore on the night I won my Oscar. When I die, someone can have it, but not a minute before!