Undoubtedly one of the greatest actresses of her time, Viola Davis has won the prestigious Icon Award at the 12th Annual African American Film Critics Association Awards.
The 55-year-old actress and producer already has an impressive list of accolades under her belt having won an Academy Award, Primetime Emmy Award, and two Tony Awards. On accepting the Icon Award Wednesday, Davis delivered a powerful speech about her future and desire to leave a legacy. With an honesty that has been the hallmark of many of her public engagements, Davis spoke about the hardship she experienced as she battled to make it in the industry saying, "I’ve always struggled my entire career -- probably life -- feeling like I’m worthy of all this praise.”
She went on to say that she hoped to leave, “A legacy for brown-skinned girls just like me who were told they were invisible.” Davis took to Twitter to say thank you for the honor.
Honored to receive the Icon Award last night! Thank you @theaafca!! ???????????? pic.twitter.com/VUaSDKfGA1
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) April 8, 2021
Sunday night past saw her win the best actress nod at the Screen Actors Guild Awards for the titular role in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. Up next for Davis is the Oscars for which she has been nominated in the Best Actress category for the same role.
Save the date. – the 93rd Academy Awards ceremony will honor the best films of 2020 and early 2021 on 26 April 2021, 2:00 am SAST.
In 2020 The New York Times ranked Davis ninth on its list of "The 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century" - personally I hope she gets to take another Oscar statue home!
