On 14th January, Viola Davis graced the stage at the BFI in London for a Q&A with Gaylene Gould after a special screening of Fences, which she stars in alongside Denzel Washington. In the film written by August Wilson, Davis plays Rose, the wife of Troy, standing in the shadows of his unfulfilled dreams. It's a powerful performance by both leads so one to defintiely go and see when it's released in the U.K. in February.
During the Q&A, Davis spoke about working alongside Washington and the differences between performing in the play and the film. She stated that film acting is supposed to be small and subtle, however in this film you cannot make the powerful moments showcased small. Life isn't small – the happy moments shine, the sad moments are like thunderstorms. In this film it was more important to be honest and showcase life in all it's glory.
Davis also spoke in length about black women in Hollywood and the issues around inclusivity of both talent and the stories told. Watch above and also see below for footage of her taking a question from writer Danielle Scott-Haughton on the subject matter.
"After The Help, I was DONE with the aprons." @ViolaDavis' response to @DanielleDASH on the visibility of black women in Hollywood. @BFI 1/2 pic.twitter.com/J5F8LOd9cG
— SceneTV (@Scene_TV) January 15, 2017
"After The Help, I was DONE with the aprons." @ViolaDavis' response to @DanielleDASH on the visibility of black women in Hollywood. #BFI 2/2 pic.twitter.com/TUEKgBLXJG
— SceneTV (@Scene_TV) January 15, 2017
Davis has since been announced as the first black woman to be nominated for an Oscar three times – let's see if she will take home the gong when the ceremony takes place on 26th February.
To find out more about BFI's upcoming screenings and events, click here.
