Currently eyeing her fourth Oscar nomination, Viola Davis is set to collect another accolade in the meantime. She’s been named as the recipient of the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s (PSIFF) Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actress. The Hollywood Reporter broke the news.
Davis is being recognized for her leading role in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” a performance that just scored her a Golden Globes nod.
“Viola Davis is one of the most celebrated actors of her generation from her powerful roles on stage and screen including ‘Fences’ and ‘How to Get Away With Murder,'” PSIFF festival chairman Harold Matzner said in a statement. “In her latest film, ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,’ Davis fully embodies the famous blues singer Ma Rainey in an explosive and memorable performance, which is sure to receive an Academy Award nomination. It’s our honor to present the Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actress to Viola Davis.”
Previous recipients of the Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actress include Cate Blanchett, Halle Berry, and Olivia Colman.
PSIFF and its Awards Gala will not take place in-person this year due to COVID-19. “Honorees will still be announced and recognized as part of a tribute that will air on Entertainment Tonight on Feb. 11 and Feb. 25,” THR writes. PSIFF’s other 2021 honorees include “Nomadland” writer-director Chloé Zhao (Director of the Year Award), “Promising Young Woman’s” Carey Mulligan (International Star Award), and “The United States vs. Billie Holiday’s” Andra Day (Breakthrough Performance Award).
Davis won an Oscar for “Fences” and received noms for “The Help” and “Doubt.” Her upcoming projects include “The Woman King,” Gina Prince-Bythewood’s African warrior pic, and “The First Lady,” a Showtime anthology series that will see her playing Michelle Obama.
