Jim Broadbent

I'm not that comfortable with actors receiving honours, partly because I think they ought to go to those who really help others.

A make-up artist I know polished her Oscar and it lost its lustre. But if you don't polish it, it doesn't tarnish.

When you research someone, you actually get beyond your own preconceptions and become aware of the human being other than the image. You become empathetic and sympathetic in turn.

Australians and the British are very similar: If you try and stand out in any way, and you try to reach for success, someone is gonna be there to cut you down.

James Bond is quite serious about his drinks and clothing and cigarettes and food and all that sort of thing. There is nothing wry or amused about James Bond.

Most detective story readers are an educated audience and know there are only a certain number of plots. The interest lies in what the writer does with them.