Viola Davis has earned widespread recognition as one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses, thanks to her powerful performances in films like Fences, The Woman King, and many more. Her exceptional career has now led to her being honored with one of the Golden Globes’ highest accolades.
The actress will be awarded the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony on January 5, as announced by the Golden Globes on Wednesday. Davis has received critical acclaim for her roles in movies like The Help, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and Doubt, in addition to captivating TV audiences with her portrayal of a lead character in the legal drama How to Get Away with Murder.
Helen Hoehne, president of the Golden Globes, praised Davis as a “luminary” and highlighted her exceptional dedication to her craft, noting the profound impact she’s had on the industry. Hoehne also emphasized how Davis’ fearless portrayal of complex, powerful characters has broken down barriers, making her a fitting recipient of this prestigious award.
The DeMille Award has been awarded to 69 of Hollywood’s most celebrated figures over the years. Previous honorees include iconic talents such as Tom Hanks, Jeff Bridges, Oprah Winfrey, Morgan Freeman, Meryl Streep, Barbra Streisand, and Sidney Poitier.
The nominations for the upcoming Golden Globe Awards will be announced on December 9.
Viola Davis, 59, has an impressive list of accolades, including two Tony Awards, with her most recent win in 2010 for Fences. She also won an Emmy in 2015 for her role in How to Get Away with Murder, and in 2016, she earned both an Oscar and a Golden Globe for the film adaptation of Fences. Davis achieved EGOT status in 2023 after winning a Grammy for Best Audiobook, Narration, and Storytelling Recording for her memoir, Finding Me.
In 2022, she received the William O. Douglas Award from Public Counsel for her advocacy in social justice. Davis has also collaborated with various initiatives aimed at eliminating childhood hunger in the U.S.
Together with her husband, Julius Tennon, Davis co-founded JuVee Productions, a company dedicated to developing and producing independent films, television, theater, and digital content. This year, the company filmed an action thriller in Cape Town for Amazon Studios, and it plans to return to South Africa to film the true story of a young African refugee’s journey to the U.S.
Davis, along with the recipient of the 2025 Carol Burnett Award for television achievements, will be celebrated at a gala dinner on January 3 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. This marks the first time the Golden Globes will host a separate event for both awards.
Davis will also be honored during the Golden Globe Awards ceremony itself.