Viola Davis “Gets Back to the Fun” of Acting in her Latest Action-Packed Thriller, G20
The Queen of Awards Chooses Fun Over Pressure
Viola Davis has had a tenaciously successful acting career, one filled with prestigious awards and prominent lead roles on both the big-screen and the big-stage. She’s nearly done it all, so, naturally, she’s at the point in her career where she can do whatever she wants – and, according to her, that’s exactly what she’s doing in “G20.”
President Viola Davis: Saving the World One Move at a Time
The most recent straight-to-streaming action-thriller from Prime Video, “G20” sees Viola Davis as the President of the United States attending a peace summit in South Africa, when things go terribly wrong and all the world’s most powerful leaders are taken hostage by nefarious, crypto-currency Robin Hoods-in-disguise. Davis is then forced into a “Die Hard” like situation where she has to move through the building undetected and save the hostages (and the world) before the clock runs out.
EGOT Status Unlocked — And Still Breaking Barriers
Davis is well-known for her dramatic performances and her range as an actor of dynamic caliber. She’s played a ruthless law school professor, a mother, a legendary blues singer, a minister, the First Lady, and, now, the President (among countless other captivating performances). She also has four Oscar nominations to her name and one win (for her role in “Fences”). She has also won an Emmy, two Tony’s, a Grammy and six Screen Actors Guild prizes, making her part of an exclusive group of actors to reach EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar & Tony) status – a feat less than 30 other people have ever achieved.
Why Davis Ditched Oscar Bait for a Popcorn Flick
During an interview with “The Times of London,” ahead of the “G20” release earlier this month, Davis spoke candidly about her decision to star in a popcorn-flick like “G20.” “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 said. She also touched on her desire to shift the focus of her career to doing things that bring her joy. “Internally you’re always trying to get back to the fun,” as she puts it.
Chasing Childhood Dreams: Action Hero and Commander-in-Chief
Davis has a remarkable flair for drama and many of her performances are the kind that make you laugh till you can’t breathe or cry till you can’t see or sometimes both all at once. And while “G20” isn’t quite that, it’s the kind of role Davis has dreamed of doing since she was a kid – to play both an action hero and the President – and she capitalizes on it in perfect Viola Davis fashion, stealing the show and handing out more than a few iconic lines along the way.
G20 Isn’t About Winning Trophies — It’s About Owning the Screen
While “G20” may not be an Oscar-worthy film, it is a fun watch great for a stay-at-home movie night – and you can feel Davis’ passion for the craft through her all-star, ass-kicking performance as the POTUS that I think is safe to say we all wish was the one running our country today.
