Stephan James

Growing up, I was always into sports - basketball and volleyball - but I wasn't really a runner.

I enjoy challenging perspective - challenging ideas of what it means to be a black man.

I really appreciate Barry Jenkins as a filmmaker and the fact that he's always wanting to push the envelope and challenge perspective and make people uncomfortable in a way that doesn't seem like it's allowed anymore.

It's important to me for the world to see black men in different capacities - capacities in which they're probably not used to seeing them.

I care a lot about who I'm working with as directors and other actors.

I know I'm a black actor, but really, I'm an actor who happens to be black.

We have to start creating more material that gives a platform for people of colour, for women, for old people and young people alike to be able to showcase their talent. It's much bigger than a black or white thing.

I feel like I've always been an actor.

When I first got the call from my manager asking if I'd ever heard of Jesse Owens, I recognized the name, looked him up, and was blown away by his story.

I definitely have to make sure I have my Jamaican playlist whenever I go, and you've gotta listen to Popcaan. I really love his song 'Silence,' but the whole album, 'Forever,' is good. I love his melodies and flows. He just knows how to make good songs.

My parents are from Jamaica, and I love reggae music.

I've had some experience in track and field in school, but I did have to train to be able to play Jesse Owens - to be a runner, to be an Olympian.