The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) will recognize Oscar-winning actress, producer, and New York Times best-selling author Viola Davis with its 2023 ASC Board of Governors Award. The award will be presented at the organization’s 37th Annual ASC Awards for Outstanding Achievement Gala on Mar. 5, 2023, at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif.
“We’re thrilled to be honoring the brilliant and talented Viola Davis for her exceptional contributions to cinema and television,” said ASC president Stephen Lighthill. “As an artist, no one sets the bar higher. She is a true collaborator and an important voice in our community.”
The ASC Board of Governors Award recognizes individuals in the industry whose body of work has made significant and indelible contributions to cinema. It is reserved for filmmakers who are champions for directors of photography and the visual art form.
Davis made history as the first Black actress to win an Oscar (“Fences”), an Emmy® (“How to Get Away with Murder”) and two Tony Awards (“Fences,” “King Hedley”). Davis’ peers have honored her talent with five Screen Actor Guild (SAG) Awards.
Her impressive list of feature credits include Oscar-nominated performances in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (2021), “The Help” (2012), and “Doubt” (2009). Davis’ many acclaimed films include “The Unforgiveable” (2021), “Troop Zero” (2019), “Windows” (2018), “Suicide Squad” (2016), “Lila & Eve” (2015), “Ender’s Game” (2013), “Prisoners” (2013), “Beautiful Creatures” (2013), and “Antwone Fisher” (2002), among others.
In addition to her Emmy win, Davis collected three more Emmy nominations for her portrayal of Annalise Keating on ABC’s “How to Get Away with Murder.” She earned another Emmy nom for the popular ABC series” Scandal.” Davis’ unforgettable roles on television include Michelle Obama in Showtime’s “First Lady” (2022) and Lynda P. Frazier in Showtime’s “United States of Tara” (2010).
In 2012, Davis and her husband founded JuVee, which is focused on giving a voice to the voiceless through strong, impactful, and culturally relevant narratives. The Los Angeles-based artist driven company produces film, television and digital content across all forms of entertainment.
Davis can currently be seen on the big screen portraying General Nanisca in TriStar Pictures/Entertainment One’s “The Woman King” from director Gina Prince-Bythewood. Inspired by true events and produced by Davis’ JuVee Productions along with Cathy Schulman and Maria Bello, the film tells the remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen.
“Viola Davis’ distinguished contributions to storytelling cannot be overstated,” noted ASC Awards chairman Chuck Minsky. “Who hasn’t left a theater impacted by a performance by this amazing talent? We cannot wait to celebrate and thank her for her sharing her art.”
Previous recipients of the ASC Board of Governors include Sofia Coppola, Jeff Bridges, Angelina Jolie, Denzel Washington, Ridley Scott, Barbra Streisand, Harrison Ford, Julia Roberts, Christopher Nolan, Morgan Freeman, Francis Ford Coppola, Sally Field, Ron Howard, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg.
“Scandal” cast will reunite for online script reading for hurricane relief in western North Carolina
The cast of ABC's hit political drama "Scandal" may need to brush up on their snappy, speedy delivery known as "Scandal-pace," because they're reuniting for a good cause. Its stars including Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn and Bellamy Young will take part in a live virtual script reading on Nov. 17 to raise money for hurricane relief in western North Carolina.
Beginning Friday, fans can go online and donate to reserve a spot for the online reading. Proceeds will benefit United Way of North Carolina. Everyone who donates will be able to take part in a virtual pre-event with the cast and Shonda Rhimes will give an introduction.
Additional guest stars will also be announced. The online fundraising platform Prizeo is also holding a contest where one person who donates online via their site will be selected to read a role from the script with the actors. The winner should not worry about the "Scandal"-pace, assured Young over Zoom.
"Whomever the lucky reader is can read at whatever pace they want," she said.
Young, who played Mellie Young, the first lady and later Republican presidential nominee on "Scandal," was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina. She came up with the idea for the effort with a friend and took it to her fellow "Scandal" actors, who all jumped on board. Young said this is the first script reading the cast has all done together since the show ended after seven seasons in 2018.
Which episode they will be reading has not been announced yet.
Young said it's "been devastating" to see so many parts of her hometown badly damaged by Hurricane Helene, which ravaged western North Carolina one month ago.
To research the best use for donations, Young spoke with numerous political leaders, including North... Read More