Viola Davis was considered something of an Oscar shoo-in the moment it was announced she would be reprising her Tony Award-winning role in the film adaptation of “Fences.”
Davis made good on that potential Sunday, winning the supporting actress Oscar for her portrayal of Rose Maxson, a devoted housewife living in the shadow of her husband, played in the film (as he did opposite Davis on Broadway) by Denzel Washington.
It was her first Oscar win, coming on her third nomination.
Following a standing ovation, Davis saluted Washington, who directed the movie, and “Fences” playwright August Wilson for “exhuming the lives of ordinary people.”
"I became an artist, and thank God I did, because we are the only profession that celebrates what it means to live a life,” Davis said.
See the most-read stories this hour »
Kenneth Turan and Justin Chang chat about the 2017 Academy Awards, and which movie might win for best picture.
Kenneth Turan and Justin Chang chat about the 2017 Academy Awards, and which movie might win for best picture.
Kenneth Turan and Justin Chang chat about the 2017 Academy Awards, and which movie might win for best picture.
Kenneth Turan and Justin Chang chat about the 2017 Academy Awards, and which movie might win for best picture.
This is what the Governors Ball will look like after the 89th Academy Awards ceremony.
This is what the Governors Ball will look like after the 89th Academy Awards ceremony.
Highlights from the 2017 Grammy Awards at the Staples Center.
Highlights from the 2017 Grammy Awards at the Staples Center.
Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein nominee for Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media
Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein nominee for Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media
Adele tearfully thanked Beyonce while accepting her album of the year award for "25."
Adele tearfully thanked Beyonce while accepting her album of the year award for "25."
glenn.whipp@latimes.com
Twitter: @glennwhipp
Our editors found this article on this site using Google and regenerated it for our readers.
