Everything’s a story, kid. Stories are what help us make sense of the world.

There are so many projects that you go into hoping the story works, and here comes a new third act and that kind of thing.

One of the more noble things the Oscars can do is pay attention to movies no one knows about. Blockbusters don't need much help.

I love the theater, but if I had to choose, I would choose a film at this time in my life. Something meaty, to sink my teeth into.

I know I'm not bipolar or schizophrenic, but this career allows you to explore, to take some facets of yourself and spin it.

Every actor just wants good writing.

There is no best anything in art. Phillip [Hoffman] isn't better than Heath [Ledger]; Joaquin [Phoenix] isn't better than David [Strathairn] or Terence [Howard]. They aren't better than me. We all do different things. It's more of a celebration of a lot of great work than to give the gold to somebody. The underappreciated factor certainly has gone away.