'The Butler' director Lee Daniels had a hard time growing up, but it made him the man and artist he is today

Growing up Lee Daniels says he didn't know how to articulate what he wanted to be when he got older. Being a film director, most recently for The Butler, turned out to be his destiny, and it came together through the years, even when he was just working to make ends meet and getting involved with theater on the side.

While he spent time writing and directing one-acts in Baldwin Hills, a Los Angeles neighborhood, he ran a nursing agency, providing care to people in their own homes. Later, he would produce Monsters Ball, which led to the steady incline of work for Daniels in the industry. As it shows up in his work, he faced adversity as a young kid and thankfully, it made him stronger.

He shared about his challenges with The Hollywood Reporter:

"You know, the universe has been kind to me," he said. "I had a rough childhood growing up -- very rough. Oftentimes I wanted to kill myself as a kid. You know, I was bullied because I was gay. And then I was bullied because I was black going to an all-white school later on. Thank God I didn't kill myself, huh? I think that the universe took care and God took care of me. I am the product of that environment."

Daniels' work on projects like Shadowboxer, Precious and The Butler each hold a special place in his heart, he says, even though after filming is completed, he doesn't watch the movies.

"If I watched all my movies now, I don't know whether I'd have the same attitude," he said. "But I love every one of my films equally, honest to God."

Oscar nominations will be announced Jan. 16. Chances are The Butler will be in the running.