Ben Affleck believes his working life is ''richer'' because of his family life.

The actor-and-director - who has three children, Violet, seven, Seraphina, four, and 11-month-old Samuel, with his actress wife Jennifer Garner - has received critical acclaim for his directorial efforts in recent years, and he insists his success tastes sweeter now he has a family to share it with.

Speaking to Us Weekly at the National Board of Review Awards Gala in New York City on Tuesday (08.01.13), he explained: ''They're the most important people in my life. Family is a wonderful thing, but it doesn't mean you can't do other stuff in your life. In fact, having a family makes whatever other thing you have that much richer. If it was just me, I'd be home alone and think, 'Well, something good happened at work', but it's much nicer to share it with people you love.

''I think any time you become a richer person you have more substance. I hope that happened to me with having a family, but you never know!''

The 40-year-old star has received Golden Globe, BAFTA and Oscar nominations for 'Argo', receiving Best Director, Best Actor and Best Picture nods.

Ben admitted he is looking forward to being accompanied by Jennifer, 40, to the glitzy awards ceremonies, although the couple's children believe they are just going on a date.

He said: ''They know, like, the idea that we're going on a date, but they don't know that we're doing a show where they give awards out and that kind of thing.''