i'm robin roberts. tonight we're going to give you an insider's take on the most competitive categories. and we'll also discuss the controversy concerning the lack of diversity among this year's nominees. that's later. >>> but first, we have some stories to tell. when you think of sylvester stallone you think movie star, right? yeah, action hero and of course, you might not think artist, painter and writer. but he's all three of those. sylvester stallone's big break came about through the sheer power of his imagination when he hatched the idea that not only launched his career but began the 40-year saga that we still can't get enough of. let's start from the beginning. was there ever a time that you doubted yourself? >> yeah. you know, i thought when i lived basically in this flop house. it's $26 a week, very transient, and you shared a floor with ten people, you don't know anybody on the planet. literally no one. >> reporter: i think i recall you saying your acting low point, "the godfather," and you s