Viola Davis managed to grab a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Actress in a Leading Role for playing a supporting role in ‘The Help’! Viola received second billing to Emma Stone and a slew of controversy for taking on the film as a black maid in the period piece. But despite the perception of taking on a role beyond her caliber, Davis vehemently defended the film.
“I’ve played lawyers and doctors who are less explored and more of an archetype than these maids.”
Her co-star Octavia Spencer, who also snagged a supporting actress nomination said of Davis’ performance,
“It should not be ‘Why is Viola Davis playing a maid in 2011?’ I think it should be ‘Viola Davis plays a maid and she gives the f–ing performance of her life.’”
It appears the decision has paid off. The Help captured four total nominations while Viola sits in a category with Meryl Streep for Iron Lady, Glenn Close, Tilda Swinton and Michelle Williams for ‘My Week with Marilyn’.
The Oscar nominations will be announced on January 24th and Viola Davis’ name will likely come up again – though it’s unclear whether it will be for the lead or supporting.
Other notable SAG mentions are the male leads including Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio.
View the full list of Screen Actors Guild Award nominations. Congrats to Viola Davis and all the nominees!
