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Steve McQueen says becoming the first black director to win a Best Picture Oscar was "of no consequence" to him.
The '12 Years a Slave' director made the admission in an interview with BBC's 'Desert Island Discs' host Kirsty Young, in which he claimed his accolade shouldn't be considered a major landmark for the black community.
He explained: "It's not important to me at all.
"There's nothing I don't think black people can't do so that's of no consequence to me. I mean so what?"
The 2013 film - which stars Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender and Bennedict Cumberbatch - tells the story of an African-American man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery.
McQueen, who lives and works in Amsterdam, also said he does not obsess about trying to please critics in Hollywood.
The 44-year-old explained: "I don't need money. If you don't need money, you are free. You do want you want.
"The only thing they can offer you is money and if you don't need it, there is no enticement."
The London-born director is currently working on a drama based on the lives of black people in the city, which is set to air on the BBC.
Steve McQueen downplays significance of Oscar win
Steve McQueen says becoming the first black director to win a Best Picture Oscar was "of no consequence" to him.
The '12 Years a Slave' director made the admission in an interview with BBC's 'Desert Island Discs' host Kirsty Young, in which he claimed his accolade shouldn't be considered a major landmark for the black community.
He explained: "It's not important to me at all.
"There's nothing I don't think black people can't do so that's of no consequence to me. I mean so what?"
The 2013 film - which stars Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender and Bennedict Cumberbatch - tells the story of an African-American man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery.
McQueen, who lives and works in Amsterdam, also said he does not obsess about trying to please critics in Hollywood.
The 44-year-old explained: "I don't need money. If you don't need money, you are free. You do want you want.
"The only thing they can offer you is money and if you don't need it, there is no enticement."
The London-born director is currently working on a drama based on the lives of black people in the city, which is set to air on the BBC.
Movies
Clive Owen was never offered the role of James Bond.
The English actor has been heavily linked to the iconic character, especially after his impressive performance in crime thriller 'Croupier', but Owen insists the speculation has always been wide of the mark.
He told The Express newspaper: "It's easy to keep saying no to a role you're not being offered.
"Am I going to be the next Sean Connery? No, I'll just be the next Clive Owen."
Owen, 49, was linked to the part prior to Daniel Craig's casting in 'Casino Royale', with reports suggesting he made unreasonable financial demands.
He added: "If I hadn't worn that tux in Croupier, I'd still be begging for the parts on cop shows Robson Green turned down!"
In a recent interview with Britain's HELLO! magazine, Owen said he appreciates the success he's enjoyed as an actor, especially because he comes from a humble background.
He said: "I spent my childhood not having money and that was a constant burden.
"I'm fortunate now to have considerably more now than I used to, but I'll never forget where I come from because there is a huge number of people in the world who are stressed about money and I don't want to forget that I used to be one of them."
Clive Owen was never offered James Bond role
Clive Owen was never offered the role of James Bond.
The English actor has been heavily linked to the iconic character, especially after his impressive performance in crime thriller 'Croupier', but Owen insists the speculation has always been wide of the mark.
He told The Express newspaper: "It's easy to keep saying no to a role you're not being offered.
"Am I going to be the next Sean Connery? No, I'll just be the next Clive Owen."
Owen, 49, was linked to the part prior to Daniel Craig's casting in 'Casino Royale', with reports suggesting he made unreasonable financial demands.
He added: "If I hadn't worn that tux in Croupier, I'd still be begging for the parts on cop shows Robson Green turned down!"
In a recent interview with Britain's HELLO! magazine, Owen said he appreciates the success he's enjoyed as an actor, especially because he comes from a humble background.
He said: "I spent my childhood not having money and that was a constant burden.
"I'm fortunate now to have considerably more now than I used to, but I'll never forget where I come from because there is a huge number of people in the world who are stressed about money and I don't want to forget that I used to be one of them."
Movies
Antonio Banderas is keen to do more acting work in his native Spain.
The 54-year-old, who has starred in popular Hollywood films like 'The Mask of Zorro' and 'Puss in Boots', says he's keen to assist the film industry in Spain, where, he claims, there are more diverse roles available to him.
Speaking in San Sebastian after a screening of sci-fi film 'Automata', which he starred in and produced, he explained: "Hollywood has ceased to exist as such, and now it is just a brand."
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Banderas added: "I might have that brand on me my whole life, but I want to do more films from my own country. I recognise the talent here and I really believe in my people.
"It's true that in Hollywood, I've always had certain limitations because of my accent or ethnicity. I go straight into certain roles. I've been working in Hollywood for 23 years with a certain handicap."
'Automata' also features Dylan McDermott and Birgitte Hjort Sorensen, as well as Melanie Griffith, 57, who announced her intention to divorce Banderas in June after nearly 20 years of marriage.
'Automata' will be released on October 10 in the US, but a UK release date is still to be confirmed.
Antonio Banderas to move away from Hollywood films
Antonio Banderas is keen to do more acting work in his native Spain.
The 54-year-old, who has starred in popular Hollywood films like 'The Mask of Zorro' and 'Puss in Boots', says he's keen to assist the film industry in Spain, where, he claims, there are more diverse roles available to him.
Speaking in San Sebastian after a screening of sci-fi film 'Automata', which he starred in and produced, he explained: "Hollywood has ceased to exist as such, and now it is just a brand."
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Banderas added: "I might have that brand on me my whole life, but I want to do more films from my own country. I recognise the talent here and I really believe in my people.
"It's true that in Hollywood, I've always had certain limitations because of my accent or ethnicity. I go straight into certain roles. I've been working in Hollywood for 23 years with a certain handicap."
'Automata' also features Dylan McDermott and Birgitte Hjort Sorensen, as well as Melanie Griffith, 57, who announced her intention to divorce Banderas in June after nearly 20 years of marriage.
'Automata' will be released on October 10 in the US, but a UK release date is still to be confirmed.
Movies
Eddie Redmayne finds it tough playing characters who are similar to his real-life self.
The 32-year-old actor, who has appeared in films such as 'Les Miserables' and 'My Week with Marilyn', is less comfortable playing people he can identify with.
Redmayne said: "It's often roles that are closer to home that I'm less successful at or that I find weirdly more difficult, because you don't have to leap off the precipice."
The London-born star - whose character smooches with Michelle Williams' Marilyn Monroe in 'My Week With Marilyn' - elaborated: "I don't know about the success of it, but [that film] I found really challenging, even though, on paper, it's basically of who I am: someone who went to Eton and works in the film industry.
"That film I found really hard because he's a cipher for the audience."
Redmayne's performance saw him receive a nomination for BAFTA's Rising Star Award.
Meanwhile, Redmayne revealed earlier this month he wants a winter wedding with his fiancée Hannah Bagshawe.
The actor and his antiques dealer girlfriend hope to get married in December this year.
He's even joked about pulling some strings with his movie friends to get some snow for the wedding.
Redmayne told the Daily Mail newspaper: "Hannah's like, 'Well you work at Pinewood Studios - can't you just fix up some fake snow?' "
Eddie Redmayne dislikes playing characters similar to himself
Eddie Redmayne finds it tough playing characters who are similar to his real-life self.
The 32-year-old actor, who has appeared in films such as 'Les Miserables' and 'My Week with Marilyn', is less comfortable playing people he can identify with.
Redmayne said: "It's often roles that are closer to home that I'm less successful at or that I find weirdly more difficult, because you don't have to leap off the precipice."
The London-born star - whose character smooches with Michelle Williams' Marilyn Monroe in 'My Week With Marilyn' - elaborated: "I don't know about the success of it, but [that film] I found really challenging, even though, on paper, it's basically of who I am: someone who went to Eton and works in the film industry.
"That film I found really hard because he's a cipher for the audience."
Redmayne's performance saw him receive a nomination for BAFTA's Rising Star Award.
Meanwhile, Redmayne revealed earlier this month he wants a winter wedding with his fiancée Hannah Bagshawe.
The actor and his antiques dealer girlfriend hope to get married in December this year.
He's even joked about pulling some strings with his movie friends to get some snow for the wedding.
Redmayne told the Daily Mail newspaper: "Hannah's like, 'Well you work at Pinewood Studios - can't you just fix up some fake snow?' "
Movies
Stephen Fry has been cast in new British film 'Tomorrow', presented by Martin Scorsese.
The 57-year-old entertainer will appear in the new flick alongside musician Joss Stone, 27, as well as Stephanie Leonidas, Paul Kaye and Sebastian Street.
Looking forward to the film - the first directed by Martha Pinson, Scorsese's long-time script supervisor - the 71-year-old said: "I'm honoured to join Martha in her directorial debut.
"Through her vision, the great cast, and dedicated team, this story will resonate for years to come."
The script of 'Tomorrow' centres on the troubles soldiers encounter when they try to reintegrate themselves back into society.
Pinson reflected: "'Tomorrow' is a great script. The dialogue is brilliant and believable; the reversals and surprises are well placed and powerful. The characters and situations are vividly drawn."
She added: "It explores the difficulty of moving on from loses and injuries, to forge a life, to find sustaining work, and experience love.
"This is an acute challenge for a person in their mid to late 20s, which has not been extensively explored. For an injured veteran or someone who is HIV positive it is colossal."
Pinson has previously worked on some of Scorsese's biggest films, including 'The Aviator', 'The Departed' and 'Shutter Island'.
Stephen Fry cast in Tomorrow
Stephen Fry has been cast in new British film 'Tomorrow', presented by Martin Scorsese.
The 57-year-old entertainer will appear in the new flick alongside musician Joss Stone, 27, as well as Stephanie Leonidas, Paul Kaye and Sebastian Street.
Looking forward to the film - the first directed by Martha Pinson, Scorsese's long-time script supervisor - the 71-year-old said: "I'm honoured to join Martha in her directorial debut.
"Through her vision, the great cast, and dedicated team, this story will resonate for years to come."
The script of 'Tomorrow' centres on the troubles soldiers encounter when they try to reintegrate themselves back into society.
Pinson reflected: "'Tomorrow' is a great script. The dialogue is brilliant and believable; the reversals and surprises are well placed and powerful. The characters and situations are vividly drawn."
She added: "It explores the difficulty of moving on from loses and injuries, to forge a life, to find sustaining work, and experience love.
"This is an acute challenge for a person in their mid to late 20s, which has not been extensively explored. For an injured veteran or someone who is HIV positive it is colossal."
Pinson has previously worked on some of Scorsese's biggest films, including 'The Aviator', 'The Departed' and 'Shutter Island'.