I did want to mark the fact that it was the first African-American to win the Lead Actress category.I thought it was so progressive.

[Denzel Washington] was rustling with something and when he came back it was with a word about loving myself and the body that I'm in because I was still going on and on about the weight thing. I just liked that, because what people don't understand is that so much of what blocks us as actors is so personal.

When you're really passionate, you're going to grab hold of every rope you see, and wrap them around your arms and legs to claw your way out. And that's the way I've felt in my life.

If the opportunity is not out there for you to play it, then you don't see it.

I don't have any time to stay up all night worrying about what someone who doesn't love me has to say about me.

You have to understand being an actress, and being an African American actress of a certain hue, I think that you have to be bold with your choices. Even when you're not bold with your choices, have people see it as bold.

To me, it's always a luxury to be able to work with the best of the best because they make it easier for you to do what you do.