Stephan James Reflects on Rise to Fame & How He Stays Present

Stephan James is on the cover of Variety‘s Power of Young Hollywood issue, out now.

Here’s what the 25-year-old If Beale Street Could Talk actor had to say…

On staying present and his quickly rising fame: “I think I’m learning to be more present. Oftentimes when there’s so much happening around you, you got to remember to acknowledge the space you’re in. I just remember being in a hotel room in Paris or London or somewhere, taking a deep breath and being like, ‘Wow. What a ride!’ I’m living out my dreams. Literally manifesting these things, and people are seeing it and appreciating it.”

On inclusive representation in Hollywood: “To say that we’ve made progress would be true. To say that we’re completely there would probably be a lie. Certainly, there’s been a lot of strides in the elevation of diversity, and that’s not only with people of color but with women too.”

On his shy demeanor: “I’m pretty reclusive, so I don’t put my personal life out there.”

On studying criminal forensic psychology at Toronto’s Jarvis Collegiate Institute: “I’ve always been into why criminals do what they do. Now with my career, maybe one day I’ll just be able to play a forensic psychologist. Any casting directors out there?”

For more from Stephan, head to Variety.com.