PHOTOS: Viola Davis’ Best On Screen Moments
Now, at the start of awards season, this movie veteran says, “Well, I knew that it had to be handled very carefully, and I knew that there would be backlash. I knew there was going to be backlash from the African-American community. It is a story set in 1962 about maids who are not educated, and I thought that people would look at that and they wouldn’t see the work.”
Folks far and wide have seen the work and are praising it. Davis will be honored for her role as Aibileen at the 2011 Santa Barbara Film Festival in January. She’s set to receive the Outstanding Performer of the Year Award.
PHOTOS: Hairstyle File: Viola Davis
Now that it’s said and done, Viola says she’s thankful for the opportunity and she’s proud of what the film brought to light. “These women were so realized and so humanized. It was such a chance for me to go on a journey with a character, and I felt like it defied any stereotypes you’ve seen in the past about maids.”
With the Oscar nominations set to be announced on January 24th, 2012, she’s got a bit of time to get as many people in her court as possible.
We’re rooting for you, Viola!
