I was never that kind of star. I was never cast because I was gorgeous.

I have done film, television and theatre - all at a pretty substantial level - I don't think it's possible for American actors to do that.

Being me right now is sort of amazing.

[Washington is a] very gossipy little village of people all going to the same bars . . . all watching each other having affairs with each other

I think a lot of my work has been a weird attempt to liberate myself, but it's not altogether successful.

I don't mind being sexy, but on my terms. To this day, I love sexuality. I love the art of sexuality. I love Lady Gaga and the performance of sexuality. The mysterious, the artistic and the slightly perverse. I'm interested in all that.

Americans are very good at animating voices. I don't know why. They have a freedom with them that we British actors find more difficult to get to.