My wearing my hair in locs on an Oscar red carpet was to showcase them in a positive light, to remind people of color that our hair is good enough.

I think women are very powerful and I think we're more powerful together than separated.

Don't try so hard to fit in, and certainly don't try so hard to be different just try hard to be you.

Determination. No matter what field you're in, determination will surely get you to the top.

I don't mind if people look at me like I'm crazy. I'm just being me.

The best thing is to realize that you are who you are and you gotta work with what you got.

I’m one of those people who doesn’t follow trends. I set them.

I want to show that you don’t have to be older to live your dreams; you can do it at any age

There are so many great things in life; why dwell on negativity?

I've always learned how to deal with my problems through my words, through my education, and through my intelligence, which I think is important and the best way to deal with an issue.

A, surround yourself by positive people who will help you reach your goal and support you. And B, go for it!

...Tolstoy said, happiness is an allegory, unhappiness a story - then what does that make us?...

Was I the only woman in the world who, at my age - and after a lifetime of quite rampant independence - still did not quite feel grown up?

'T is greatly wise to talk with our past hours, And ask them what report they bore to heaven.

Without independent corroboration, little can be done to tell a false memory from a true one.

From my sketch files I'll find a pose that shows the emotion behind a particular character's story.

What do you think I'm a professor of? The little finger? (On offers of honorary doctorates.)

A children's book is the perfect place where young readers can understand the world because they can take a deep breath and look at it and imagine and contemplate while they're looking at.

I like things where I can do a physical transformation, and I love accents and voices, and I'm never going to play the same character twice.

Do not be sad that you have suffered, be glad that you have lived.

Only God can provide us with an eternal perspective and speak to us with absolute and final authority.