The people have spoken: Viola Davis is officially a fan favorite. Last night, the How to Get Away With Murder star accepted the award for Favorite Actress in a New TV Series at the People’s Choice Awards. Other winners included Netflix’s Orange is the New Black (Favorite Dramedy) and Pharrell Williams (Favorite R&B Artist).
Donning a gorgeous pink dress, Davis graced the stage to accept her award, thanking her fans who voted for her (the People’s Choice Awards are, in fact, chosen by the people) while also taking a subtle jab at The New York Times.
Earlier this year, the Times, in a controversial editorial about “angry Black woman” Shonda Rhimes, prided Rhimes on selecting “older, darker-skinned and less classically beautiful than [Kerry] Washington” Davis to star in HTGAWM. Smh.
During her acceptance speech last night, Davis issued the perfect response, thanking “Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, and Peter Nowalk for thinking of a leading lady that looks like my classic beauty.”
Congratulations to you, Viola! We think you’re absolutely beautiful.