Viola Davis Says Not Every Movie Needs an Academy Award – Here’s Why She’s Embracing a Fun New Role in “G20”

Viola Davis, an acclaimed actress with an EGOT and a history of powerful drama roles, is stepping into the action genre with “G20”, a straight-to-streaming Prime Video film. In this thrilling movie, Davis plays the U.S. president caught in a high-stakes attack during a global summit. Unlike typical portrayals, her character takes matters into her own hands, showcasing strength and resilience.

Viola Davis Defends “G20” Role
Known for roles in “Fences” and “How to Get Away With Murder”, Davis’s choice to star in “G20” marks a shift from her usual dramatic work, breaking stereotypes and demonstrating her versatility. She shared in an interview with the Times of London, “I don’t think every movie you do has to be considered for an Academy Award. I wanted to do something that families could watch together, something popular.”
She also reflected on her career, saying, “But internally you’re always trying to get back to the fun… ” When asked about playing “an ass-kicking American president in a preposterous hoot of an action movie,” she eagerly responded, “Hell yeah! I needed some levity in my life.”
Viola Davis in “G20”
The film revolves around a summit where world leaders are thrown into chaos, and Davis’s president must protect not just herself but others, blending suspense with humor. Her character is dynamic, exhibiting quick thinking and courage, while the interactions with co-stars like Anthony Anderson and Marsai Martin add complexity and humor.
Viola Davis has been a trailblazer in Hollywood, from being the first Black woman to win an Emmy for Lead Actress in a Drama Series to her Academy Award win for Fences. She’s always sought to balance serious roles with fun, and “G20” reflects that desire for variety in her career.
Alongside Davis, “G20” features a talented cast, with humor being a key element. Davis’s character is both strong and relatable, offering a perfect balance of action and levity. The film is part of a movement to redefine female action heroes, with Davis’s portrayal inspiring strength, especially among young women.

“G20” is set to stream on Prime Video starting April 10, offering family-friendly entertainment with action and humor. The buzz around the film is growing, and Davis is once again proving that she’s ready to take on any challenge in Hollywood. As she put it, “The only two people you owe anything to are your six-year-old self and your 80-year-old self,” and playing an action hero in G20 certainly made “six-year-old Viola squeal.”
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