Having been here before and lost to be here and win, I've got to tell you, winning is really a lot better than losing. Really a lot better.

I struggle for what I believe in. Life is short, it's impossible to repeat something; you have to take advantage of things when you can reach them.

Ultimately, you just have one life. You never know unless you try. And you never get anywhere unless you ask.

You can't be a proper writer without a touch of madness, can you?

I've never worked with prosthetics before in that sort of capacity. I did a bit of prosthetic work when I had to give birth in Jude, which is quite a different set of prosthetics. But I had so much admiration for the hair and make-up department and the prosthetics team, who are actually based at Shepperton, and who put together that look for Hanna. I

I love it when a character requires me to look less than my red-carpet best.

With The Reader, I'd just be shattered at the end of every day really. I wouldn't really want to talk. We kept saying, because we were in Berlin: "If we get back at a decent hour, let's go and have a glass of wine." We'd always think it would be a great idea, but then get to the end of the day and then go [acts drowsy and blabs]. It was very difficult for everybody.