By the time shooting on "8 Mile" wrapped, Eminem was more or less satisfied with his first stab at acting, but, he insists, that doesn't mean he's "trying to be Hollywood." He has no plans to leave rapping for acting, and he doesn't really see "8 Mile" as much of a departure in the first place. After all, "this is a movie about music," he said.

I may do other scripts," he said. "But music is where my love is. Movies are cool, but I wanna make music. That's what I'm the most comfortable at."

Nevertheless, early reviews of "8 Mile" — and of Eminem's performance in particular — have been overwhelmingly positive. By most accounts, "8 Mile" is no "Glitter." It's even been suggested that Em could walk away with an Oscar for best actor.

"It could or it couldn't [happen]," Em said, quickly dismissing such talk. "Steely Dan beat me out one year for a Grammy, so you know ... Whatever comes with it, I'll take, but I'm not looking for that. I just wanted to make an authentic movie about the place where I grew up."