Viola Davis is one of the most powerful and respected actresses in Hollywood. Known for her incredible acting range, she has won an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, and two Tony Awards, making her one of the few performers to achieve the “Triple Crown of Acting.” From intense dramas to inspiring biopics, she has delivered unforgettable performances across film and television.
Let’s look at Viola Davis Movies and TV Shows…
Movies:
1. Doubt (2008)
Viola Davis received her first Oscar nomination for her role as Mrs. Miller in this drama. Despite having only one major scene, she left a lasting impact with her powerful performance opposite Meryl Streep.
2. The Help (2011)
She played Aibileen Clark, a maid who shares her experiences working for white families during the Civil Rights era. This role earned her wide acclaim and another Academy Award nomination.
3. Prisoners (2013)
In this thriller, Viola played Nancy Birch, a mother whose daughter goes missing. Her emotional performance added depth to the tense and gripping storyline.
4. Get on Up (2014)
She portrayed Susie Brown, the mother of James Brown, in this biographical film. Her role showed the struggles behind the life of the legendary musician.
5. Lila & Eve (2015)
Starring opposite Jennifer Lopez, Viola Davis played Lila, a grieving mother who takes justice into her own hands after her son’s death.
6. Suicide Squad (2016)
She stepped into the role of Amanda Waller, the ruthless government official behind the Suicide Squad. Her commanding screen presence made her a standout in this action-packed film.
7. Fences (2016)
This performance won Viola Davis her Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Playing Rose Maxson, she brought raw emotion to this adaptation of August Wilson’s play.
8. Widows (2018)
She played Veronica Rawlings, a woman forced to complete her late husband’s criminal plan. The film highlighted her strength as a leading actress in a heist drama.
9. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020)
Viola portrayed the legendary blues singer Ma Rainey. Her performance was widely praised and earned her another Oscar nomination.
10. The Woman King (2022)
In this epic historical drama, she played General Nanisca, leader of the Agojie warriors. The role showed her physical and emotional strength, receiving both critical and audience praise.
11. Air (2023)
Viola Davis played Deloris Jordan, mother of basketball legend Michael Jordan. Her role highlighted the business side of the historic Nike deal that changed sports forever.
TV Shows:
1. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2002–2003)
She appeared as defense attorney Donna Emmett in multiple episodes of the long-running crime series.
2. Century City (2004)
Viola played Hannah Crane in this short-lived legal drama that dealt with futuristic cases.
3. Traveler (2007)
She starred as FBI Agent Jan Marlowe in this suspense thriller about a nationwide conspiracy.
4. United States of Tara (2009)
She appeared as Lynda P. Frazier in this Showtime comedy-drama about a woman with multiple personalities.
5. How to Get Away with Murder (2014–2020)
Her most iconic TV role, Viola Davis played Annalise Keating, a brilliant but troubled law professor. The role won her an Emmy Award, making history as the first Black woman to win in the Lead Actress in a Drama category.
6. The First Lady (2022)
She portrayed Michelle Obama in this anthology series. While the show received mixed reviews, her performance stood out as bold and ambitious.
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FAQs:
Q1: What is Viola Davis’s most famous role?
Her role as Annalise Keating in How to Get Away with Murder and Rose Maxson in Fences are considered her most iconic.
Q2: Has Viola Davis won an Oscar?
Yes, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Fences (2016).
Q3: What recent movie did Viola Davis star in?
Her recent films include The Woman King (2022) and Air (2023).
Q4: Which superhero film featured Viola Davis?
She appeared as Amanda Waller in Suicide Squad (2016) and reprised the role in later DC films.
Q5: Did Viola Davis play Michelle Obama?
Yes, she portrayed Michelle Obama in the series The First Lady (2022).
