Hounsou adored pint-sized co-stars

NEW YORK, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Actor Djimon Hounsou said in New York recently he greatly enjoyed working with his pint-sized co-stars in Jim Sheridan's film "In America."

"It was beautiful," Hounsou told reporters. "I used to hear working with kids or animals, they steal the show from you, but if you let yourself go, the kids will bring the best out of you."

Hounsou earned a best supporting actor Oscar nomination Tuesday for his portrayal of a dying artist who lives downstairs from a poor Irish family played by Samantha Morton, Paddy Considine and real-life sisters Emma and Sarah Bolger.

The film is based on Sheridan's real-life immigration and was written by the filmmaker and his two daughters, Naomi and Kirsten.