Yance Ford

“It would have been tough for anyone to adapt 'Push' - an amazing but wrenching novel by Sapphire - for the screen, and I think director Lee Daniels made interesting choices, particularly with Precious' fantasies. In my view, some of them work and some do not, but they are definitely provocative directorial choices.”

“I don't think I present as gender-conforming on screen, but some people need a little extra information.”

“Being nominated is such a tremendous honor. An Oscar win for me and for the 'Strong Island' team would be the cap to an incredible journey. But it would also mean that my brother will not disappear from history.”

“What little return documentary filmmakers get often comes in the form of recognition by their peers and the critics who influence doc audiences around the country.”

“I'm incredibly proud to be the first trans director to be nominated for an Oscar.”

“I don't feel like a hero.”

“If I can help one family embrace their child and not displace them and throw them out, I'm happy about that.”

“'Strong Island' has been a labor of love and dedication on the part of so many people, that it's just an incredible recognition to be honored. And to be the first trans director - and, I believe, the first African-American trans director - to be nominated for an Academy Award is incredibly, incredibly special to me.”