Cultural Life: Julie Walters, actress

Films

I saw Ratcatcher on DVD. It's directed by Lynne Ramsay, and is about a 12-year-old boy living under the burden of a terrible secret, while also experiencing love and lust for the first time. There is a heart-splintering performance from William Eadie as the boy. It manages to be both ugly and beautiful at the same time.

Books

I've just finished Antony Sher's biography, Beside Myself. It's totally compelling, moving and funny but above all fascinatingly honest. I eked it out over a couple of weeks because I didn't want it to end.

Music

I've got an old CD of Stevie Wonder's greatest hits, which I listen to on car journeys. It's got everything. One minute I'm singing at the top of my voice to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” and the next I'm blubbing and choking to 'Heaven Help Us All'. It's a wonder I haven't been pulled over.

Television

I love The Great British Bake Off. I'm a Masterchef and Celebrity Masterchef fan too.

Visual Arts

Last art exhibition I went to was Hockney. It was not what I was expecting at all. I only knew the swimming pool paintings, but this was landscapes – vast and vivid.

Julie Walters is on the judging panel for the Virgin Media Shorts film competition. To vote for your favourite film go to www.virginmediashorts.co.uk.