It's nice coming from Summerhill, because you don't come from having everything, and what you do get, you appreciate.

Dublin's a great place. It really is. It's a great place. And Ireland, especially, is a great place. I've realized that growing up more. I'm loving my country more as I'm getting older.

I'm good to women. I treat women with a lot of respect.

Acting brings up a lot of the past. I use my memories, whether they're good or bad.

I don't hold any candle for drama versus comedy.

There is a standing joke in my family that I was born with a ladle in my hand.

I've learned to start from a really sound argument, boil down the essence of what you're trying to say, then build your humor around that, rather than starting with, 'This sounds funny,' and going from there.

Though not really a comedy, 'Rosewater' is a demonstration of the creed behind 'The Daily Show': belief in the crucial need for impious wit against entrenched power. The freedom of the press is also the freedom to depress - and to inspire. That's a message that can outlive any Oscar season.