I was always a closet lover of acting. My mom was very practical. She never, ever restricted our dreams, always told us we could do or be anything. Then I said, 'Maybe I want to be an actor.' And she said, 'Maybe not that.'

I want to see more women as producers.

I'm excited that I get to do what I love, and I'm benefiting through projects that speak to me.

I do believe that everyone has something to contribute.

I'm an Oscar nominee. I love saying that. Whatever happens, I'm going to sing that 'I'm an Oscar nominee' part.

Even in my music, I am always searching for big, universal things - ways that you can sort of reach outside the norm of what you are doing.

I don't think you learn as much about yourself when you are moving forwards as when you have fallen backwards. That's when you really learn who you are. And reach for the things that have propelled you forward and made you a better person.