As published in CLAUDIA

We’re entering 2025 and those who follow know that from January to March there’s no escaping it: it’s awards season. We’ll talk about awards, red carpets, justice, and injustice. But I’ll start celebrating because on January 5, during the Golden Globes broadcast, actress Viola Davis will be the night’s big honoree as the winner of the Cecil B. DeMille Award, an honor granted by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) since 1952. Considered one of the most prestigious awards in the industry, it is reserved for artists who have achieved exceptional achievements and made significant contributions to cinema. Viola is undoubtedly one of those stars.

The Origin of the Award

The award, named after its first recipient, legendary director Cecil B. DeMille, was established to recognize artists whose lasting impact transcended the screen, whether through iconic performances, directing, producing, or other forms of creative expression. Since then, it has celebrated careers that have defined generations of artists and viewers.

DeMille was one of the greatest pioneers of the film industry and was chosen as the first honoree due to his iconic status and monumental achievements in cinema, which helped shape Hollywood. He created epics that are still studied, used innovative special effects, and had an unmistakable eye for detail. And his longevity is impressive: he began with silent films and excelled even more in the era of talkies.

At the 1952 ceremony, DeMille gave a humble speech, reflecting on his long career and extolling the power of cinema to inspire and entertain people around the world. On that historic night, stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Barbara Stanwyck, Deborah Kerr, and Jean Simmons were present at the event held at Ciro’s, a popular nightclub at the time. The ceremony, hosted by Dick Powell, also brought significant changes, including the introduction of a new design for the trophy, which remains to this day.

Viola Davis: a legend

Viola Davis is one of the most talented and respected actresses of her generation. With a career that spans theater, film, and television, she is the only black woman to win the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony), establishing herself as a creative and cultural force. Her training at the prestigious Juilliard School and her experience in theater earned her her first Tony Award in 2001, marking the beginning of an extraordinary career.

In the movies, Viola rose to prominence in smaller roles until impressing in Doubt (2008), where her intense performance, despite her short screen time, earned her an Oscar nomination. With The Help, in 2011, she cemented her name by receiving another Oscar nomination. In 2016, she won the award for Best Supporting Actress for Fences, a milestone in her career. In addition, she made history in 2015 by being the first black actress to win the Emmy for Best Actress in a Drama Series for How to Get Away with Murder.

Viola is also an active voice in the fight for diversity and inclusion in Hollywood, using her platform to defend authentic narratives of black women and combat inequalities in the industry. Her ability to deliver powerful and emotionally charged performances makes her one of the greatest actresses of all time.

Deserved Recognition

Viola Davis‘s selection for the Cecil B. DeMille Award is not only a recognition of her extraordinary artistic trajectory but also of her cultural and social impact. Viola is not only a singularly talented actress; she is a powerful voice for representation, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of artists.

Alongside Hollywood legends such as Sidney Poitier, Barbra Streisand, and Oprah Winfrey, Viola joins a list of honorees who have transcended their individual achievements to become enduring icons of the film industry. Her presence at the 2025 Golden Globes will not only be a celebration of her career but also a reminder of the transformative power of art and the importance of inclusive storytelling in film. Viola Davis is undoubtedly worthy of this honor. A well-deserved award for a true legend.

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