Terrence Howard probably won't soon forget 2005.

After making a critically-acclaimed debut in 1995's Mr. Holland's Opus, Howard, 36, languished in small roles in films like Dead Presidents, Big Momma's House and Biker Boyz. Then came Crash, in which he plays a movie director struggling with his self-esteem, and Hustle & Flow, in which he plays a pimp who dreams of becoming a rap star. The Screen Actors Guild nominated Crash as on of the year's best ensemble casts and the Hollywood Foreign Press named Howard one of its five best dramatic actors for Hustle & Flow.

THE SUN: You've heard all the Oscar buzz. How are you handling it?

HOWARD: Many people are blinded by the beauty of their own eyes. By that I mean they think it's all about them. They don't know how to stay humble. Awards, and even nominations, are in God's hands.

THE SUN: If you do get a Golden Globe, or even an Oscar, what will that mean to you?

HOWARD: As long as it comes from an honest and true place, then I'm happy. God gave me a second chance. That's the greatest award I could ever get.

THE SUN: What was that second chance?

HOWARD: Just before I began work on Hustle & Flow, I left my wife and children. I didn't realize that by going to the dark places I had to for Hustle & Flow it would cleanse me and make me a better person.

THE SUN: How did it do that?

HOWARD: It made me see how much I wanted to have my old life back. I went to my family. I asked for their forgiveness and their love.

THE SUN: What happened?

HOWARD: They forgave me. They took me back. My wife and I got remarried. It's the most wonderful thing that could ever happen to me.

THE SUN: Is it true that Paul Haggis, who wrote and directed Crash, had to be talked into casting you?

HOWARD: I had a reputation for being difficult to work with. My friend Larenz Tate appealed to Paul. People had more faith in me than I did.

THE SUN: Are you getting many offers as a result of recent success?

HOWARD: I am so very fortunate, but a few too many of them want me to play street characters, and they tend to be negative and ugly and I'd rather not go there too often.

THE SUN: Do you see yourself as a role model?

HOWARD: Most people aren't aware of the power they have in their own lives. I'm trying to grasp that. I realize I have some power now as an actor so I have to be careful of the roles I play and the films I commit to. I don't want to send out negative messages.