Since the days of slavery, if you were a good singer or dancer, it was your job to perform for the master after dinner.

You have to do the research. If you don't know about something, then you ask the right people who do.

I like people to look like they're floating.

I wouldn't be doing motherfu**ing films for almost three decades if every time I did something that someone didn't like I went in a fu**ing cocoon and just hid there and didn't make my art.

I am a hybrid. I do independent films and also do Hollywood films - I love them both.

I've been blessed with the opportunity to express the views of black people who otherwise don't have access to power and the media. I have to take advantage of that while I'm still bankable.

Critics like to build you up, tear you down, and then, if you're lucky, build you up again.