For a performer as endlessly faceted as Björk, you'd think it'd be easy to find a creative equilibrium between the mental and physical strain of a film role and her sonic spirituality. But after spending three wrenching years with Selma, the lead character of Lars von Trier's "Dancer in the Dark," the strain of containing her musical side was unbearable.

The rigors of film work behind her, Björk could once again shoot according to her own schedule — recording Vespertine, her first studio album since 1997's Homogenic. Then came the flood of accolades for her "Dancer" role, which netted her the Best Actress Prix at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival. Survey said she was born to act, but like Melville's Bartleby, Björk would simply prefer not to.

With Vespertine on the horizon — originally slated for May, it's now set for August — award-show season has refocused attention on her cinema venture. She nabbed Golden Globe nominations for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama and Best Original Song for "I've Seen It All," which she recorded for the "Dancer" companion, Selmasongs, with Radiohead's Thom Yorke. That song also got a nod from old Oscar; and while some say she was robbed of a Best Actress nomination, Björk's just glad to see she's been recognized for her music.

With the Academy Awards ceremony around the corner, MTV News' Gideon Yago talked to Björk about what we can expect to hear on Oscar night, if the movie affected her music, and how a night at the Golden Globes was like a day at church. Fade in...