Just because I`m in Hollywood doesn`t mean that I forget that I`m Persian or that I`m Jewish. Judaism is not only my religion - it`s my identity.

You dream about doing phenomenal work and being proud of your work and living you dream. I had the corporate job. I was sitting behind the computer typing away looking outside my window dreaming about pursuing this career and thinking, could I ever, and could that be me? And so, and to be able to look back and be here today and have everyone be so excited, or go to the Academy Awards and have everyone screaming my name, thinking back it was just a couple of years ago that I was sitting behind a computer desk at a job that I absolutely hated and I was so miserable there. It`s mind blowing to me. I can`t believe my dream has come true and it`s happening. I am very grateful, I am very grateful to God, I am honored that I have the opportunity to be able to do the kind of work that I am doing.