Viola Davis was honored with the Icon Award during the 12th annual African American Film Critics Association Award on Wednesday (April 7th).
Davis co-star Colman Domingo presented her with the award, in which he referred to her as “one of the greatest actors of all time.”
While accepting the award, the award-winning actress mentions how she hopes her career leaves a legacy for other black women.
“Thank you, African American Film Critics Association, for this great honor,” the actress says. “I’ve always struggled my entire career- probably life- feeling like I’m worthy of all this praise. I think What makes it an easy sort of pill to swallow is when I think of people like August Wilson and I think about directors like George C. Wolfe and Denzel Washington.”
Honored to receive the Icon Award last night! Thank you @theaafca!! 🙏🏿💛 pic.twitter.com/VUaSDKfGA1
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) April 8, 2021
“My acceptance of any of this praise is equal to my absolute passion to leave a legacy, a legacy for brown-skinned girls just like me who were told that they were invisible …It’s been the ride of a life to have this career,” she adds.
Along with Davis, director Shaka King received the award for Best Picture. Hollywood Star Daniel Kaluuya won Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Chairman Fred Hampton in Judas in the Black Messiah. One Night in Miami received three awards; Best Director for Regina King, Best Screenplay for Kemp Powers, and Best Ensemble.
This award follows shortly after Davis received the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance By a Female Actor. Last month, it was revealed that Davis is the most nominated Black Actress and the only Black woman to be nominated twice in Oscar history.