Viola Davis, an American actress and producer, is recognized as one of the most emblematic figures of Hollywood. With a career rich in exceptional performance, she has established herself as a real pioneer in the film industry, becoming the first African-American woman to win the triple Crown of Acting-an Oscar, an Emmy and a Tony Award. Its significant roles in films such as The color of feelings (2011), Slopes (2016) and The Woman King (2022) testify to his commitment to complex and deep characters, who resonate through cultures and generations.
In December 2024, Viola Davis was the guest of honor at the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) during its fourth edition. This prestigious event, which takes place in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, is responsible for celebrating international cinema while highlighting innovative voices. During a session entitled “In Conversation With”, Viola Davis engaged in her vision of dramatic art, her personal and professional challenges, as well as her role as a black woman in an industry often dominated by stereotypes.
The depth of his characters: a methodical approach
Asked about the way she chooses her roles and manages to maintain a balance between her personal life and her career, Viola Davis explained: ” I would not say distance, I would say technical. Because I have a clean life, a husband and a girl. Our lives are two parallel lines: that of the character and that of my personal life. We can for 5/6 month embody a character who goes through difficult periods, who loses for example his daughter, who is dark … but the actor technique makes it possible to differentiate the studio and personal life“She described the actor as a” observer and a thief “, Stopping the importance of storing observations on human behavior to create authentic interpretations.
According to her, the art of interpretation is based on a raw truth, sometimes uncomfortable. “” The character can be horrible, with a terrible appearance, without makeup, dirty … and no one loves him. But you have to embody your truth, be like him. This approach led him to play roles which, although away from his own personality, resonate with a universal reality. “” I played a fickle woman on television, which is the opposite of my nature. But I had to do it with truth. »»
An artistic collaboration and enriching meetings
Viola Davis has also highlighted the collaborative nature of dramatic art. “” One of the joys of this job is that you can go to unplanned directions, through improvisation and interactions with your partners. She mentioned that working with renowned actors, such as Meryl Streep, was an enriching experience that allowed her to rise as an artist.
African-American experience and the importance of heritage
Viola Davis addressed his involvement in projects highlighting the African-American experience. “” You take what you receive from this culture. It’s my house, I know who he writes about. It’s easier to interpret, it’s my daily life. But even if I understand these characters, I still want to honor them. She shared her concern to make authentic choices, even when they can be misunderstood. She gave the example of her role as Marien, a woman often described as ” ugly “:” To honor a personality, you need the truth. Travesting the truth is to divert this tribute. We honor a person by showing it as they are. »»
A constant quest for truth
Asked about her role in How to get Away with Murder (2014-2020) and his character, Annalise Keating, Viola Davis expressed his pride: ” He is probably the character I am most proud of. At the time, I wondered why this woman was like this. Why always these high heels? Why not natural hair? Why this sexuality? But I tried as much as possible to make it human. Behind the mask, it was necessary to understand why she behaved like this. She insisted that the sexuality of her character was not free, but deeply rooted in her personality and her personal dramas.
The challenges of being a black actress in Hollywood
Viola Davis discussed the challenges she was confronted as a black woman in the film industry. “” Being a black actress in Hollywood is not impossible, but it requires creating opportunities for others. If you don’t help others, there will be no changes. She mentioned her work to build a landscape where African-American talents can thrive. “If you don’t do something concrete, there will be no good films. »»
A humanity mission
For Viola Davis, cinema is much more than just entertainment. “” My legate is to make people feel less alone. There is a certain sacredness in the relationship with the public. I want to try to show you who you are. She also talked about anxiety that she still feels daily and the courage necessary to live her own truth. “” Life is uncomfortable when you experience its truth. But it is always preferable to not know who we are. »»
The balance between personal and professional life
Despite her success, Viola Davis remains attached to her family and her values. “” At the end of the day, I am a mother, a wife, and I want to spend time with my family. You have to leave something on earth. She stressed the importance of giving meaning to her career beyond rewards and appearances.
An inspiration career
Viola Davis won the hearts of millions of people thanks to its talent and authenticity. His passage to the RSIF 2024 will remain engraved in memories as a moment of sharing and exchange, illustrating his desire to connect cultures and to celebrate the power of cinema. His message of hope, humanity and truth continues to inspire a new generation of artists and spectators around the world.
The same evening, Viola Davis was honored during the award ceremony. She received an honorary awardjoining a pantheon of previously rewarded icons, including Emily Blunt, Mona Zaki and Michael Douglas.
Neïla Driss
