Being a part of '12 Years a Slave' has been one of the most profound experiences of my life.

As human beings, we aren't as individual as we'd like to believe we are. And I think that's what makes acting possible. Despite the fact that I have not experienced something, I have it in my human capacity to imagine it and to put myself in someone else's shoes, and to take someone else's circumstances personally.

Part of being an artist is that you are always concerned you don't have what it takes. It... keeps us honest.

Lupita Nyong'o Quotes