Viola Davis is no stranger of using her platform and voice to advocate for the lack of representation of women of color in strong roles in Hollywood among other important issues. In her acceptance speech of the “Sherry Lansing Leadership Award” at The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Event she spoke on being a true leader. Referring to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and how being a leader is, “[Dr. King is suffering from pneumonia] he pretty much sees his death… That’s what I think about when I think of a leader. I think about the first one that goes through the plate of glass, and gets cut… scraped and loses their life. And that is why I accept this with that in mind.”
“I’ll tell you the worst demon of all. It’s a the lack of purpose. You do not have to know what is in the hearts of people to be a leader. But by God, you have to know what is in the heart of the leader! In my heart is… I cannot lead with bullshit! I cannot lead with the lying about what the road is out there.”
She declares about the sacrifices women of color in Hollywood must conform to in order to get near any significant roles. She challenges writers to allow women of color a shot at these roles her white counterparts have first opportunities to perform.
This speech, in my opinion, sets the tone of change in regards to story writing, actor selection, and rewarding outstanding performances. Recently, there has been much uproar at snubs of noms for women of color. The SAG Awards were announced and many film critics believe Viola and Regina King were snubbed for roles in Windows and If Beale Street Could Talk, respectively. As many women of color step up and speak out against these inequalities- in time Hollywood will get the message and write more roles and reward those outstanding depictions of the characters played.
What’s your thoughts on the speech and Viola’s message? Chime in the comments below!
Photo Credit: Courtesy Twentieth Century Fox. TM & © 2018 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. Merrick Morton.
