Double-Oscar winner Jodie Foster is just as likely to be found directing as she is acting these days, and you can see how good she is behind the camera with the release of her latest film Money Monster.
She's been touring the world promoting the movie but when she sat down with Newshub in Sydney, she confessed her favourite film of all time is from New Zealand.
Foster got her first Oscar nomination at just 12 years old in Scorsese's Taxi Driver.
Twelve years later she won one for The Accused, and again as FBI Agent Clarice Starling in the seminal Silence of the Lambs.
Foster has turned in some of the most inspiring and memorable performances ever delivered on the big screen, herself drawing inspiration from all quarters in the process including New Zealand.
"[I've been inspired by] so many people," Foster says.
"There are fewer female directors, of course, but how inspiring are the ones we know and love. Sofia Coppola, I was just thinking about Lost in Translation, sitting here completely jetlagged at 3am trying to go to sleep, remembering how wonderful that movie was. But certainly Niki Caro and you talked about Jane Campion -- her The Piano is my favourite movie of all time."
At 53, Foster's not even close to her prime, as likely running the show from behind the camera as in front.
Her latest directorial endeavour is Money Monster.
Foster has no trouble attracting A-list actors -- this time fellow director George Clooney, alongside fellow Oscar-winner Julia Roberts.
The film has much to say about greed, capitalism and the superficiality of broadcast info-news.
And personifying the hollow seemingly one-dimensional TV host Lee Gates, Clooney was a gift.
Foster says being in front of the camera for so many years helped her in her time directing.
"It's a wonderful collaboration to have actors with this level of experience like Julia Roberts, George Clooney -- they make it so easy."
Actor/director directing actor/directors or being directed herself, Foster is deservedly Hollywood royalty.
Attend court at your nearest cinema -- Money Monster has just opened here.
Newshub.
