'I see me': Viola Davis gives emotional speech about self-worth after being honoured at Critics' Choice Awards
Viola Davis was the recipient of the #seeher award at the Critics' Choice Awards held in LA on Sunday night.
The National Association Of Advertisers, that represents marketers, sponsored the award as part of its campaign to further an accurate portrayal of women in the media.
'I truly believe that the privilege of a lifetime is being who you are and I just recently embraced that at 51,' the actress said.
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Honored: 'I truly believe that the privilege of a lifetime is being who you are and I just recently embraced that at 51,'Viola Davis said at Critics' Choice Awards in LA Sunday
Davis was presented with the gong by fellow actress Amy Adams and received a standing ovation from the Hollywood crowd.
'Thank you,' Davis said. 'It’s hard to accept being a role model for women when you’re trying to lose weight.'
The star of How To Get Away With Murder and The Help went on: 'I’ve always discovered the heart of my characters by asking: ‘Why?’'
Designed for her: The actress was presented with the #seeher award created by the National Advertisers Association for portrayal of women in media
Popular: Davis was presented with the gong by fellow actress Amy Adams and received a standing ovation from the Hollywood crowd
Made a joke: 'Thank you,' Davis told the audience. 'It’s hard to accept being a role model for women when you’re trying to lose weight'
Women rule: Adams and Davis posed backstage with the award
'When I was handed Annalise Keating, I said: ‘She’s sexy, she’s mysterious … I’m used to playing women that [I] have to gain 40 lbs. [for] and wear an apron.' So I said: ‘Oh, I’ve got to lose weight. I’ve got to learn how to walk like Kerry Washington in heels'…' she added.
'And then I asked myself: ‘Well, why do I have to do all of that?’ '
In addition to the honorary award, she also won a Best Supporting Actress Award for her role in the film fences, starring Denzel Washington.
She lost out on the night's Best Actress Award for How To Get Away With Murder to Rachel Evan Wood for Westworld.
Big winner: In addition to the honorary award, she also won a Best Supporting Actress Award for her role in the film fences, starring Denzel Washington
Had a date: Davis was accompanied to the awards show by husband Julian Tennon
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