And you also have to do movies that are about commerce because that's what is required of the industry today.

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 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.

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.

People win 'Oscars', and then it seems like they fall off the planet. And that's partly because a huge expectation walks in the room and sits right down on top of your head.

Sexiness is a state of mind - a comfortable state of being. It's about loving yourself in your most unlovable moments.

When I was younger, living in an all-black neighborhood the other kids thought I was better than them because of my light skin and straight hair. Then we moved to an all-white neighborhood and that was a culture shock ... I'd been used to being around all black kids.