I have experienced loss in my life, but the thing that brings you back is your faith.

You know, bigotry isn't relevant to just the South. It never was. But I'm very grateful that I don't know what it's like from experience.

Every character I get to play has some element of who I am, but there's no fun in playing yourself. At least, for me, there isn't.

The way to bring about change is to be proactive and active.

I don't ever want to be the type of person to tell you what to think or what to believe. Whatever stage in your life that you are in, I want you to organically reach whatever conclusions that you possibly reach.

I'm glad that I get to take my final walk as the princess of 2012. ...there's nothing wrong with winning an Oscar!

I hope that in some way that I can be some sort of beacon of hope, especially because I am not the typical Hollywood beauty.