LOS ANGELES — Viola Davis, recognized as one of Hollywood’s most esteemed actresses, has garnered exceptional acclaim for her challenging and impactful roles, including performances in “Fences” and “The Woman King.” Her illustrious career has now led to her being honored with one of the highest accolades from the Golden Globes, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, which will be presented at the 82nd annual ceremony set for January 5, as announced earlier this week.
Davis has captivated audiences with her work in a variety of films, like “The Help,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” and “Doubt,” as well as her memorable role in the popular legal drama series “How to Get Away with Murder.” Helen Hoehne, the president of the Golden Globes, praised Davis as a “luminary” and acknowledged her unwavering commitment to her craft along with her significant influence on the film industry.
Hoehne stated, “Viola’s bravery in bringing to life multifaceted, empowering characters has not only shattered barriers but also opened new doors, making her a symbol of excellence and a fitting recipient of this esteemed award.” The Cecil B. DeMille Award has been awarded to 69 of the industry’s most prominent figures, including the likes of Tom Hanks, Oprah Winfrey, and Morgan Freeman.
Nominations for this year’s Golden Globes are set to be revealed on December 9. At the age of 59, Davis boasts an impressive collection of accolades, including two Tony Awards—her most recent for “Fences” in 2010—an Emmy Award in 2015 for her role in “How to Get Away with Murder,” and both an Oscar and a Golden Globe in 2016 for the film adaptation of “Fences.” In addition, she achieved EGOT status after winning a Grammy earlier this year for the best audio book, narration, and storytelling recording for her memoir “Finding Me.”
In 2022, she received the Public Counsel’s William O Douglas Award, celebrating her dedication to social justice initiatives. Davis has actively collaborated with various organizations to combat childhood hunger across the United States. Alongside her husband, Julius Tennon, she co-founded JuVee Productions, a company that focuses on producing independent films, theater, television, and digital content.
Earlier in the year, JuVee Productions filmed an action thriller for Amazon Studios in Cape Town and intends to return to South Africa for a project depicting the true story of a young African refugee’s journey to America. The actress will be honored alongside the recipient of the 2025 Carol Burnett Award, which celebrates achievements in television, at a gala dinner on January 3 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. This year marks a significant change, as the Globes will host a separate event specifically for both award recipients.
Davis is set to receive recognition during the live broadcast of the awards ceremony.
