Rachel McAdams

I guess each relationship is different. That’s what I love about relationships. Even when they end, you’ve learned so very much, so much to take into your next relationship and to take into your life. It’s the greatest thing that comes out of an ending – so it depends on the person.

I did (training in) tennis, ballet, swing dancing, piano, art class and etiquette. I also did French dialect, but then it was mixing me up with my Southern dialect, so we stuck to Southern!

It’s always great to make a film about people that don’t get along, because you inevitably wind up getting along so well.

I’m a sucker for those sweeping love stories. When I read the script (The Notebook), I couldn’t stop crying! I just had such a powerful, instantaneous reaction – it was written so well.

I was not popular in high school, I know every actress says that, but really, I was a big geek.

I have a certain curiosity for life that drives me and propels me forward.

I’ve got to the point now where I can poke some fun at my old image and really enjoy letting go when a juicy role comes along.

I think too many people look at the arts with a religious outlook. Arts, music, singing and performing, it’s all make-believe.

I’m always eager to return to the hospitality of the Southern states….Towns and cities that hold fond memories for me personally, places that gave birth to so much of the music I love.

If you’re wondering why I was only nominated for three of the categories tonight, it’s because I don’t swallow.

The thing about drugs and sex is that you lose all your inhibitions. I’ve had sex in trains, planes, wine bars… and quite a few car parks!

There are no mistakes, only opportunities.

[On encountering the music of Umm Kulthum] I was intrigued by the scales, initially, and obviously the vocal work. The way she sang, the way she could hold a note, you could feel the tension, you could tell that everybody, the whole orchestra, would hold a note until she wanted to change.

I look like an angel, but I can play the bitch.

I was motivated by just thinking that if you had all this external success that everyone would love you and everything would be peaceful and wonderful.

Kyle saw the things he didn’t accomplish but he could help Adam accomplish.

Sometimes we have criticism that is very constructive.

I just asked her to support me in this one thing. It’s not a big lie. She should have understood that I was just trying to sell the song to America’s premier songstress.

I love being sexy; I’m never gonna stop being an exhibitionist

I went to do my first big movie when I was 17. I was in South Africa for three and half months, and I was by myself.

Working with someone like Dustin Hoffman is a huge honor and, after you kind of get through that, you’re frightened about working with a screen legend, and I was just in awe.