Viola Davis just made history in the Oscars with ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’

Not every actor gets an Oscar nomination with less than 10 minutes of screen time. But then again, no one ever accused Viola Davis of being just another actor. Since his first 2008 Oscar nomination for drama Doubt, David has become one of the most talented stars at work today. Now, thanks to Black Bottom by Ma Rainey, she is a record holder too.

Viola Davis poses in the press room of the 89th edition of the Oscars in 2017
Viola Davis poses in the press room of the 89th edition of the Oscars in 2017 | Jason LaVeris / FilmMagic

For which film did Viola Davis win an Oscar?

Film after film, Davis presented a consistent and strong work. She has made impressive performances in films such as Prisoners, Climb, and Widows. And even at very successful rates like Suicide squad, Davis manages to stand out. So it was probably just a matter of time before she got an Oscar. And the film to finally do that was 2016 Fences.

Following nominations for Doubt and The help, Davis won his Oscar for playing Rose Maxson, opposite director star Denzel Washington. Fences – based on August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play – also made her the first black woman to win an Emmy, a Tony and an Oscar. Davis returned to work with Washington for another adaptation of Wilson, namely Black Bottom by Ma Rainey.

RELATED: Viola Davis Regrets Her Oscar Nominated Role In ‘The Help’

‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ led the actor to make Oscar history

As holder Ma Rainey, Davis offers another impressive performance. Many Oscar experts hoped she would get the nomination. However, in doing so, Davis set a new standard for the recognition that black women won at the Oscars. With Black Bottom by Ma Rainey as his fourth Oscar nomination, Davis is now the most nominated black woman in all acting categories.

Thanks to the 2021 Oscar, Davis is also the only black woman in history to receive two Best Actress nominations. Prior to his most recent appointment, Davis was tied with her The help co-star Octavia Spencer, who has so far received three Oscar nods and a win. As it stands, Washington remains the most nominated black actor of all time, with two wins and eight nominations.

In his race for the podium, Davis faces fierce competition. Most notably, Andra Day and Carey Mulligan are favorites for their work in United States x Billie Holiday and Promising young woman, respectively. However, regardless of whether Davis wins for Black Bottom by Ma Rainey, the late Chadwick Boseman is strongly favored to win a posthumous Best Actor for his role alongside her.

RELATED: Viola Davis Says ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ Turned Your Brain Into ‘Mush’

What is Viola Davis’ net worth?

Despite all her achievements to date, Davis has been very open about the struggles she has faced in the industry. As a black woman, Davis addressed the pay gap that she continues to encounter. As slow as it is, the actor’s net worth continues to increase.

According to CelebrityNetWorth.com, Davis was worth approximately $ 25 million in 2020. The actor may be leagues behind some of his contemporaries – like her Doubt co-star Meryl Streep, who has a net worth of $ 160 million – but she continues to break down barriers in the business.

Source