It comes down to this: black people were stripped of our identities when we were brought here, and it's been a quest since then to define who we are.

'Do the Right Thing' was like the first film where I really felt comfortable working with actors.

I'd like to state that Spike Lee is not saying that African American culture is just for black people alone to enjoy and cherish. Culture is for everybody.

'25th Hour,' like a lot of my films, takes place in New York City. I've been very fortunate to make films in the city that I live. I mean, it's great going home at night instead of being on location.

I like to work with the same people when I can, and you want to get people with the same interests that you have, and the same aesthetic.

I'm surprised that Hollywood and networks have not been diverse as other industries.

As a people we do not need anyone else's stamp of approval.