An appreciable number of directors have shifted to lower-cost films, allowing them to be satisfied with a more modest return.

As I entered this world, I would leave behind the nurturing of my family and my home, but in another sense I would take their protection with me. The lessons I had learned, the feelings of groundedness and belonging that have been woven into my character there, would be my companions on the journey.

True 'joy' is the difference between just amusing ourselves to death and creating 'meaningful' pleasure.

I set my star so high that I would constantly be in motion toward it.

I was the only Black person on the set. It was unusual for me to be in a circumstance in which every move I made was tantamount to representation of 18 million people.

My mother was the most amazing person. She taught me to be kind to other women. She believed in family. She was with my father from the first day they met. All that I am, she taught me.

I always wanted to be someone better the next day than I was the day before.