In the spirit of celebrating Black history month, we take a look at one of the phenomenal greats taking the film industry by the horn一Viola Davis. With an Oscar, two Tonys, an Emmy, and a Grammy tucked under her belt—yep, she’s officially an EGOT winner. Viola has redefined what it means to be at the top of your game in film, television, and theater.

Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a powerhouse of talent is nothing short of inspiring. From her heart-wrenching portrayal in Fences that earned her an Oscar, to her groundbreaking performance in How to Get Away with Murder that made her the first African-American woman to win a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress, Viola’s achievements speak for themselves. Her two Tony Awards, won for her work on stage in August Wilson’s plays, and a Grammy for her audiobook narration of her memoir Finding Me, complete a quartet of honours that only a handful in history have attained.

Her influence goes far beyond the trophies on her shelf. Few days ago in his SAG Awards speech, actor Timothée Chalamet named Viola Davis among the greats he aspires to emulate, "I'm as inspired by Daniel Day-Lewis, Marlon Brando, and Viola Davis..." That single line encapsulates the profound impact Davis has had on her peers and on the industry at large, marking her as not only a phenomenal performer but also a powerful source of inspiration, particularly for Black artists and emerging talent.

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Davis’s journey is one of resilience and passion. Overcoming a challenging upbringing, she embraced every role, whether a leading part or a smaller character and that allowed her to hone her craft and prove her worth. Her willingness to seize opportunities, even when they came with challenges, has paved the way for future generations of artists who see her as living proof that excellence comes through hard work and unwavering belief in oneself.

Today, Viola Davis stands as a beacon of hope and excellence. Her legacy is not just measured in awards, but in the doors she has opened for countless aspiring performers. As stars like Timothée Chalamet declare their ambition to be "one of the greats," they do so with the knowledge that Viola Davis’s remarkable journey has already set a standard of greatness that will inspire Hollywood for generations to come.

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