Naomi Ackie

That's always the thing about biopics, you are stepping on moments in someone's life where you're making public something that is private.

I've really enjoyed, in my career, getting to play so many different roles. I'm starting to get really curious about who I can turn into next. Now I'm kind of like, 'what other ways can I transform myself?'

I've got friends, who were like, 'Oh my god, babe. You're playing Auntie Whitney.' They were like, 'We just call her Auntie Whitney in our house.' In the U.K., there's a very parasocial relationship with Whitney, because she was one of the icons.

At 11, I wanted to be an actress.

My mom is so similar to Cissy Houston.

It's Not Right But It's Okay' is the first song I remember coming out as a hit single when I was younger.

Giving audiences something to walk away with, to think or talk about, is increasingly becoming my goal.

My daydreaming goals are very large, but my day-to-day goals are entirely realistic. It's a balance.

Each character I play pushes me into a deeper understanding of myself.

I've got an eye for off-kilter projects, probably because I feel personally quite off-kilter as a human being.

Some people don't get it, but I think there's something fascinating about a character who's obsessed with power.

I want to have the option of stepping outside of acting when I need to and do something else for a while.

I was really into collaborating, devising shows, and wanted to make my own theater company and just be on the road.

I've always loved the BAFTAs, and being recognized by them in any form is really great.

Each kind of film, big or small, has its challenges.

Oh my God, dude, I swear when I was a teenager, I used to daydream about that! Like, 'one day I'm going to be an actress and go on the red carpet wearing something I'd made.' I don't have that skill.

I had quite intense stage fright singing in front of people. It always made me nervous to do it when I'm not on a stage where I can't see anyone.

My ultimate, ultimate go-to is 'The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill.' I grew up on that. I feel like it's an anthem for my childhood, but also my adulthood too. The more I listen to it, the more it makes sense to me.

I went through a Chaka Khan phase - and who would I be without saying that Beyonce plays a really big part in my music taste.

The success is the thing I always wanted - successful in my craft, a successful actor. But I never wanted fame. I think sometimes we confuse the two.