The hope is what America represents to the world and has always represented - the hope for a better life and a better world. We have a duty to protect and support that hope with not just our words, but with our deeds.

I wanted to do a political film that is as nonpartisan as can be, because I wanted to do a story that was American. I wanted to tell an American tragedy.

It turns out that good actors can make anything believable.

I like to really respect the audience and let them come through on answers.

We crash into each other just so we can feel something.

If there's magic in boxing, it's the magic of fighting battles beyond endurance, beyond cracked ribs, ruptured kidneys and detached retinas. It's the magic of risking everything for a dream that nobody sees but you.

As a general rule, I don't plan to travel with my Oscars, but we may have to make an exception.