Octavia Spencer has managed to land roles that are incredibly powerful and equally life-changing. And according to the Hidden Figures star, her portrayals of impeccable characters are all by design.

“There are very few roles out there for me. I need to make choices that will be impactful in some way and find characters that resonate with me; that I learn from,” the Academy Award winner told HipHollywood while discussing her latest film, The Shack. 

But while Spencer enjoys playing these types of roles, she admitted that, although most of her characters fall into the “strong women” category, it’s because “I’m drawn to them.” Not because “I necessarily have to play them.”

Octavia picked up her first Academy Award for her role in the 2011 drama, The Help.