Eva Mendes loves turning down role

Eva Mendes thinks turning down roles has made her successful.

The 37-year-old actress has learned that it is important not to say yes to every script that comes her away and only work on projects that she “falls in love” with.

“I think that what can make a career is the stuff you say no to. A couple of years ago, I made a decision to only do things I was really in love with, whereas before I just did things that seemed right for my career a big part, a good move,” she said.

“I’ve been in the industry for 10 years now, so I’m at a nice place where people know me and I don’t have to make financially-motivated decisions anymore. It’s empowering to be able to choose.”

Eva isn’t happy with all of the choices she has made in her career, but tries not to worry too much about them.

“There have been films I’ve done that I’m not proud of, but who knows what’s held me back or not. I don’t sit and dissect that,” she said.

The brunette beauty who has a supporting role opposite Sam Worthington and Keira Knightley in new movie Last Night also insisted she is not overly concerned about playing the lead in her movies.

“I think those days have gone where you play the lead and only the lead,” she said.

“For me, it’s about the people I’m working with. It would bother me to pass something up for such an empty reason.”