MGMA 2017 Annual Conference

Viola Davis
Award-Winning Actress



Classically trained, award-winning actor, Viola Davis has conquered every medium from stage to television to film. Viola has burst through every barrier to become one of the most accomplished and celebrated actors today. She most recently became the first African American woman to win the Emmy for Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role as ‘Annalise Keating’ in Shonda Rhimes’s ABC drama How to Get Away with Murder. In The Help, Davis captivated audiences and critics alike with her portrayal of ‘Aibileen Clark.’ Set in Jackson, Mississippi, during the 1960’s, the film chronicles the relationship between three different and extraordinary women who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project that breaks societal rules and puts them all at risk. Davis earned a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Critics’ Choice Award, and was also nominated for the Academy Award, Golden Globe Award and British Academy Film Award. Rising out of “the absolute epitome of poverty,” Viola fell in love with theater early in high school as a form of escape. Her passion and growing abilities for acting would pay off with a full scholarship to the Young People’s School of the Performing Arts before attending the prestigious Julliard School for four years. In 1996, Viola hit the acting trifecta by earning roles on Broadway Seven Guitars, TV NYPD Blue, and film The Substance of Fire. From the lectern, Viola discusses her career and how overcoming adversities and preconceived restrictions have all contributed to reinforcing her abilities as an artist and becoming a stronger woman. Viola was most recently seen in Fences from Paramount Picture. The film is starring, directed and produced by Denzel Washington and is adapted from August Wilson’s play. Davis also starred with Washington in the 2010 revival of the play on Broadway. Her portrayal of ‘Rose Maxson’ brought her a Tony Award, and the Drama Critics’ Circle Award, Outer Critics Circle Award and Drama Desk Award.

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