The 2009 Tribeca Film Festival's 32 jurors are at the top of their field in acting, directing, writing, journalism, and art. This fantastic group of people will decide the winning films in the World Narrative Feature Competition, the World Documentary Feature Competition, the Best New York Narrative Competition, the Best New York Documentary Competition, the Narrative Shorts, the Documentary and Student Shorts, and the Tribeca All Access Competition.

In an effort to get to know these artists a little better, we asked them to submit their answers to some questions about life, art, films, and inspiration. Next up? Actress Mary-Kate Olsen and actor Thomas Haden Church, who are judging the Narrative Shorts Competition.

Mary-Kate Olsen
Mary-Kate Olsen is an actress and a fashionista; recent work includes The Wackness and television's Weeds.

Who are your heroes in real life?

You wouldn't know them, but they're awesome.

What piece of art (film/book/music/what-have-you) do you recommend to your friends?

Changes, but at the moment: Richie Havens—Freedom. Rodriguez—Sugar Man. Film—Hunger, by Steve McQueen.

What's your earliest memory of seeing (and loving?) a movie in the theater?

Edward Scissorhands. I was little, scared and confused.

What gets you up and going in the morning?

Still trying to figure that one out.

What's your life philosophy or motto?

Everything happens for a reason.

What's your chief characteristic?

I have Gemini tendencies.

Tell us about one of the best meals you've ever had.

I made a perfect seared salmon a couple of months ago. Somehow, it's more gratifying when you love the food that you cook.
 

Thomas Haden Church
Thomas Haden Church is an Oscar-, Golden Globe-, and Emmy-nominated actor. Films include Sideways, Spiderman 3 and Smart People.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Salt-of-the-earth ranchers who know how to make the best of the worst circumstances without complaining.

What piece of art (film/book/music/what-have-you) do you recommend to your friends?

Lazy B by Sandra Day O’Connor. It’s about the code of ethics and decency she learned growing up on a cattle ranch that took her all the way to the United States Supreme Court.

What would your biopic be called?

A Musky Bag of Dumbass.

Are there any movies that you find yourself quoting all the time?

Blade Runner.

What's your earliest memory of seeing (and loving?) a movie in the theater?

True Grit.

With what movie character do you identify most?

Tom Skerritt in Alien.

What gets you up and going in the morning?

Seeing my daughter.

What's your life philosophy or motto?

You have to be on the field to be in the game.

What's your chief characteristic?

Thinking too much.

Tell us about one of the best meals you've ever had.

Always Mexican. I would eat Mexican food four meals a day.