Viola Davis on Cate Blanchett Wanting Her Ass, Superstitious Family & Shooting The Woman King

TL;DR

Viola Davis shares her journey in Hollywood, touching on awards, superstitions from her childhood, and personal anecdotes.

Transcript

our first guest tonight has a large and shiny collection of statuettes including an Emmy an Oscar Two Tonys and now she's up for a Grammy too she's the producer and sag award nominated star of the woman King it returns to theaters tomorrow please welcome Viola Davis [Applause] foreign very good to see you boy I am so good yeah well you are you're y... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🎨 Viola Davis's journey reflects the complex relationship artists have with awards and recognition in Hollywood.
• ❓ The discussion about childhood superstitions showcases how cultural beliefs can profoundly influence behavior and personal identity.
• ✖️ Davis's achievements indicate her versatility as an actress, producer, and author, exemplifying the multi-faceted nature of success in the entertainment industry.
• 🇬🇧 Her commitment to "The Woman King" demonstrates the dedication and perseverance often necessary to bring meaningful stories to the forefront.
• 🌍 The humorous exchanges about household dynamics and personal habits humanize Davis, highlighting her relatable qualities and down-to-earth personality.
• 💦 Insights into her emotional experiences as an audience member further emphasize the impact of community on an artist’s work.
• 👪 The dialogue reflects broader themes of family, identity, and the navigation of success while maintaining authentic connections to one's roots.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the highlights of Viola Davis's awards collection?

Viola Davis has an impressive array of awards that includes an Emmy, an Oscar, and two Tonys, and she is now vying for a Grammy for her audiobook. This prestigious collection places her in close proximity to achieving EGOT status, which represents winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. Davis acknowledges the weight of these awards and the personal significance of belonging to such an exclusive group.

Q: How does Viola Davis feel about receiving awards?

Viola Davis expresses a mixture of seriousness and humor regarding awards, noting that while she values hard work and artistic integrity, there is a part of her that longs for recognition. She compares her experience to her niece’s childhood meltdown at Circus Circus, reflecting on the desire to achieve and feel validated alongside her peers in the entertainment industry.

Q: What superstitions did Viola Davis grow up with?

Viola Davis shares various superstitions from her childhood, including the belief that one should not bring an umbrella into the house or walk by a gravestone without performing specific rituals. These superstitions added a layer of anxiety to her upbringing and are humorously detailed in her book, showcasing how deeply ingrained cultural beliefs can shape one’s experiences.

Q: What does Viola Davis's husband think about her home organization?

Viola Davis jokes about her home being always clutter-free, crediting her husband's rigorous standards for cleanliness. She refers to him as having the traits of George Jefferson from "The Jeffersons," implying that their home is always orderly, even though she humorously admits to hiding candy in her drawers for late-night snacking.

Q: How does Viola Davis view her role in "The Woman King"?

Viola Davis speaks passionately about her role in "The Woman King," expressing pride about her film and its impact. She has seen the movie multiple times in theaters and cherishes the powerful audience reactions, which reinforce her belief in the film’s significance. Her commitment to the project is evident as she recounts the struggles and years it took to bring the film to fruition.

Q: What is her reaction to the recent SAG award nomination?

Davis shares her excitement about being nominated for the SAG Award, emphasizing that while these accolades are a source of pride, she prefers to maintain focus on her craft and artistry. She humorously insists that she doesn’t want morning calls about nominations, illustrating her desire for a little peace amidst the chaos of awards season.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Viola Davis discusses her impressive collection of awards, including Emmy and Oscar, and her current Grammy nomination for her audiobook, highlighting the significance of being part of the EGOT club.

• She reflects on her challenging childhood and the superstitions in her family, sharing humorous stories and the impacts of such beliefs on her upbringing and self-perception.

• In her conversation, Davis expresses pride and excitement about her film "The Woman King," recounting the emotional experience of watching audiences cheer for her work during screenings.