Viola Davis Discusses Inclusivity for Black Women and the Prospect of Becoming the Most Nominated Black Actress in Oscars History
Viola Davis shares how she feels about the idea of being the most nominated black actress in Oscars history.
Viola Davis is a force in the acting world. Awards season is underway, and Davis could potentially make Oscars history if she receives an Academy Award nomination for her role as Ma Rainey in the 2020 film, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. While one would think this is exciting news, Davis feels much differently.
Viola Davis: “Every time I portray a character, I want to honor that Black person that I’m portraying. By filtering and watering it down, it’s doing the same thing as the so-called oppressor is doing.” https://t.co/e0hwAp1LiA pic.twitter.com/C42suDQ9MH
— Variety (@Variety) February 18, 2021
Davis reveals, “For me, it’s a reflection of the lack of opportunities and access to opportunities people of color have had in this business. If me, going back to the Oscars four times in 2021, makes me the most nominated Black actress in history, that’s a testament to the sheer lack of material there has been out there for artists of color.” Davis’s speeches have always been powerful as she speaks about the ancestors that came before her and paved the way for her to have the successful career that she has.
Ok I’m on an oscars acceptance speech binge on YouTube (yes I’m that aimless) and Viola Davis’ speech gets to me everytime 😭😭😭
— Eme🌺 (@Eme_679) February 21, 2021
Davis is currently tied with Octavia Spencer, one of her closest friends in the industry. Davis had been nominated for Best Supporting Actress twice, once in 2008 for the film, Doubt and the 2016 film, Fences which she won. Her best actress nomination came from the 2011 film, The Help. Octavia Spencer won Best Supporting Actress in 2012 for her role in The Help.
Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer, a friendship appreciation post 💕 pic.twitter.com/3704XFpiwX
— Screen Queens (@screenqueenz) July 15, 2020
Whether Davis makes history or not, she proves to be one of the greatest actresses of a generation. Davis has a long catalog of films and her critically acclaimed television series How to Get Away With Murder is available to stream on Hulu and Netflix.
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