Viola Davis, renowned for her transformative performances in Hollywood, will be honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 82nd annual Golden Globes ceremony on Jan. 5, 2025.
Known for her captivating roles in films such as Fences, The Woman King, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Davis has become a trailblazer and icon in the entertainment industry.
Recognizing a Luminary
Golden Globes president Helen Hoehne praised Davis as a “luminary,” acknowledging her commitment to portraying complex and powerful characters.
“Viola’s courage in portraying complex, powerful characters has broken barriers and paved new paths, making her an emblem of excellence and an ideal recipient of this prestigious award,” Hoehne said.
The Cecil B. DeMille Award, given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the entertainment world, has honored some of Hollywood’s most iconic talents, including Sidney Poitier, Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey, and Tom Hanks.
A Decorated Career
At 59, Davis has reached the pinnacle of her craft with achievements across stage, screen, and sound. She is an EGOT winner, having earned:
- Two Tonys, including one for Fences (2010).
- An Emmy for her groundbreaking performance in How to Get Away with Murder (2015).
- An Oscar and Golden Globe for Fences (2016).
- A Grammy for her audiobook narration of her memoir, Finding Me (2022).
Davis has also made waves behind the camera with her production company, JuVee Productions, which she co-founded with her husband, Julius Tennon.
The company focuses on telling diverse, independent stories, including their recent collaboration with Amazon Studios on an action thriller filmed in South Africa.
Commitment Beyond the Screen
In addition to her artistic accomplishments, Davis is deeply committed to social justice. In 2022, she received the Public Counsel’s William O. Douglas Award for her advocacy to combat childhood hunger in the United States and her dedication to equality.
Upcoming Honors
Davis will share the spotlight during a gala dinner on Jan. 3, 2025, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where the 2025 Carol Burnett Award winner for television achievements will also be celebrated.
For the first time, the Golden Globes will host a standalone event to honor these two awards, separate from the main broadcast ceremony.
