“I loved Westerns for different reasons as an adult. It is not only our only native brand of storytelling - the only one that's not influenced by Europeans and not something that's done better by the French - but I also love the sensuality of the Western. The sights, sounds, and smell of a Western are very exciting.”

American actress, comedian, singer, and songwriter

Mary Steenburgen is an American actress, comedian, singer, and songwriter. She began her professional screen career in the 1970s after studying at New York's Neighborhood Playhouse, and came to wider attention with films such as Goin' South and Time After Time. She was praised for her performance in Melvin and Howard, Jonathan Demme's comedy-drama from 1980, which brought her both the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress and the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her work spans acting and music, and her name is often associated with a warm, character-driven screen presence.