One day I decided that I was beautiful, and so I carried out my life as if I was a beautiful girl. I wear colors that I really like, I wear makeup that makes me feel pretty, and it really helps. It doesn't have anything to do with how the world perceives you. What matters is what you see.

Being an actor is wonderful and it’s a lot of fun, but eventually you look old and you can’t fit this or that. It’s important to have other skills, be able to do other things, and to really learn how this business works and what it thrives on.

When it’s time to film and to actually take on the role of Precious, I felt an immense responsibility to do it justice.

Well, I’m certainly glad that I was nominated for an Oscar. There is certainly a respect that comes with that nod. Also, a compliment that comes with it, too. Not that I really know what I’m doing. In a lot of ways I feel like some child on set, or like a kid that snuck in the back door.

My Plan A was to be a psychologist. I thought I would be a receptionist. I’m always middle of the road and very normal. I’ve always wanted a normal life, and this is what I got.

I didn’t want to be an actress at all, or famous even. I certainly enjoy acting now, absolutely. Time will tell whether or not I enjoy fame.

I’m really, really happy with what I do for a living. I mean, that’s what I consider work, like being on set, bringing a character to life and, you know, working with other actors and directors and stuff.

I’m not a big fan of doing what my mother wants me to do, like any daughter.

I think people look at me and don’t expect much. Even though, I expect a whole lot.

I’m really, really interested in the job of acting. I can really care less about being famous. I’m more about the work, and ‘The Big C’ was amazing, so I wanted to be a part of it.