Latest news with #ViolaDavis


Pink Villa
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
7 Actors with EGOT Status: From Viola Davis to Audrey Hepburn
There's no bigger accomplishment than an EGOT status in Hollywood. The acronym stands for Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. So any star who has bagged all four major performing-arts awards gets the EGOT status. Winning even one of these prestigious awards marks a major milestone in an actor's career. However, an exceptional few have dominated all four areas of showbiz — television, music, film, and Broadway. The term was first used in 1984 by actor Philip Michael Thomas, who used the word to describe his career aspirations. He even wore a necklace with the acronym engraved on a medallion. Check out 7 actors with EGOT status. Jennifer Hudson First EGOT Achievement: Oscar: Best supporting actress, Dreamgirls (2007) Career Highlights: Jennifer Hudson rose to fame as a finalist on American Idol. Soon, she made a mark in film, music, and theater. Her powerhouse vocals made her stand out from her peers, making her one of the most sought-after celebrities in the industry. She has also starred in films like Dreamgirls, Respect, and Cats, and released several chart-topping albums. Beyond acting and singing, she's also made her mark as a producer and talk show host. EGOT Awards: Emmy (2021): Outstanding Interactive Media for a Daytime Program – Baba Yaga (Executive Producer) Grammy (2009): Best R&B Album – Jennifer Hudson Tony (2022): Best Musical – A Strange Loop (Co-producer) Why They Deserve EGOT Status: Jennifer Hudson is supremely talented. From her breakout as a singer to her evolution as a critically acclaimed actress and producer, she has continuously broken boundaries. Her ability to excel in different fields cements her place among the most accomplished entertainers in history. Viola Davis First EGOT Achievement: Tony Award (2001) – Best Featured Actress in a Play for King Hedley II Career Highlights: Viola Davis is one of the most respected actors of her generation. With her emotionally raw and nuanced performances, she has made a mark on stage, screen, and television. Some of her best performances came in Fences, The Help, and Doubt. Her groundbreaking portrayal of Annalise Keating in How to Get Away with Murder earned her critical acclaim. She is also the first African-American woman to win the Triple Crown of Acting (an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony for acting roles). EGOT Awards: Emmy (2015): Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series – How to Get Away with Murder Grammy (2023): Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording – Finding Me Oscar (2017): Best Supporting Actress – Fences Tony (2001 & 2010): Best Featured Actress in a Play – King Hedley II; Best Leading Actress in a Play – Fences Why They Deserve EGOT Status: Viola Davis's EGOT status is a testament to her extraordinary talent. She brings a rare authenticity and emotional depth to every role. Her historic achievements make her one of the most impactful artists of our time. Audrey Hepburn First EGOT Achievement: Oscar (1954) – Best Actress for Roman Holiday Career Highlights: Audrey Hepburn was one of Hollywood's most iconic and beloved actresses in the 20th century. She was praised for her elegance, charm, and talent. She starred in timeless classics like Breakfast at Tiffany's, My Fair Lady, Roman Holiday, and Sabrina. Beyond acting, Hepburn dedicated much of her later life to humanitarian work, becoming a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and using her fame to advocate for children's rights. EGOT Awards: Emmy (1993): Outstanding Individual Achievement – Informational Programming for Gardens of the World with Audrey Hepburn Grammy (1994): Best Spoken Word Album for Children – Audrey Hepburn's Enchanted Tales Oscar (1954): Best Actress – Roman Holiday Tony (1954): Best Actress in a Play – Ondine Why They Deserve EGOT Status: Audrey Hepburn's EGOT status reflects a lifetime of artistic excellence. She captivated audiences with her grace, talent, and authenticity, leaving a lasting impact not only in film but also in theater. John Gielgud First EGOT Achievement: Tony Award (1948) – Outstanding Foreign Company for The Importance of Being Earnest Career Highlights: Sir John Gielgud, a legendary British actor and director, was celebrated for his mastery of Shakespearean roles and contributions to both stage and screen. With a career spanning eight decades, he became a defining figure in classical theater and later transitioned into film and television, earning acclaim for roles in Arthur, Becket, Gandhi, and The Elephant Man. He was also widely respected for his direction. EGOT Awards: Grammy (1979): Best Spoken Word Recording – Ages of Man Oscar (1982): Best Supporting Actor – Arthur Tony (1948): Special Tony Award – The Importance of Being Earnest Why They Deserve EGOT Status: John Gielgud's EGOT status is proof of his monumental legacy in the performing arts. Renowned for his eloquence, command of language, and ability to bring classical texts to life, he influenced generations of actors. His seamless transition between stage and film showcased his versatility. Rita Moreno First EGOT Achievement: Oscar (1962) – Best Supporting Actress for West Side Story Career Highlights: Rita Moreno is a trailblazing actress, singer, and dancer whose career has spanned over seven decades. She broke barriers as one of the first Latina performers to gain major recognition in Hollywood, with standout roles in West Side Story, The Electric Company, Singin' in the Rain, and Oz. She was also praised for her roles in One Day at a Time and Steven Spielberg's 2021 remake of West Side Story. EGOT Awards: Emmy (1977 & 1978): Outstanding Individual Performance – The Muppet Show and The Rockford Files Grammy (1972): Best Album for Children – The Electric Company Album Oscar (1962): Best Supporting Actress – West Side Story Tony (1975): Best Featured Actress in a Play – The Ritz Why They Deserve EGOT Status: Rita Moreno's contribution to the entertainment industry is praiseworthy. Her charisma, talent, and dedication allowed her to shatter stereotypes in the industry. She has earned her place as one of the most influential and celebrated artists in history due to her brave choices. Mel Brooks First EGOT Achievement: Oscar (1969) – Best Original Screenplay for The Producers Career Highlights: Mel Brooks is a legendary comedian, writer, director, producer, and actor. He was known for his sharp wit and iconic parodies. He created some of the best comedy films in the 20th century, including Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, Spaceballs, and The Producers. Brooks also found success on television and Broadway. EGOT Awards: Emmy (1967, 1997–1999): Outstanding Writing and Guest Actor – The Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, Carl Reiner, Howard Morris Special and Mad About You Grammy (1999 & 2002): Best Spoken Comedy Album – The 2000 Year Old Man in the Year 2000 Oscar (1969): Best Original Screenplay – The Producers Tony (2001): Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Original Score – The Producers (Broadway adaptation) Why They Deserve EGOT Status: Mel Brooks's ability to master multiple formats—film, television, stage, and recorded comedy—showcases his remarkable versatility. Brooks has not only made audiences laugh for over half a century but also redefined what comedy can achieve in storytelling. Helen Hayes First EGOT Achievement: Oscar (1932) – Best Actress for The Sin of Madelon Claudet Career Highlights: Known as the 'First Lady of American Theater,' Helen Hayes had a remarkable career spanning more than eight decades across stage, film, and television. She was celebrated for her captivating performances in classics like Harvey, The Sin of Madelon Claudet, and Airport. EGOT Awards: Emmy (1953 & 1958): Outstanding Single Performance – Schlitz Playhouse; Best Actress – CBS Television Workshop Grammy (1977): Best Spoken Word Recording – Great American Documents Oscar (1932 & 1971): Best Actress – The Sin of Madelon Claudet; Honorary Award for lifetime achievement Tony (1947 & 1958): Best Actress in a Play – Happy Birthday and Time Remembered Why They Deserve EGOT Status: Helen Hayes's EGOT status reflects her extraordinary talent. Her grace, versatility, and dedication to her craft earned her lifelong admiration, making her a true legend in the arts. EGOT status represents one of the most elite and coveted accomplishments in the entertainment industry. Securing all four proves that an actor has exceptional versatility and influence across music, television, film, and theater. While only a few have been able to achieve the EGOT status, many stars like Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Jon Batiste, and Cynthia Erivo are on the right path to join the EGOT club.


Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
NBA's first openly gay player Jason Collins marries partner Brunson Green
Former NBA star Jason Collins has married partner Brunson Green. Collins became the NBA's first openly gay player when he came out in 2013 in an open letter published by Sports Illustrated. The 46-year-old's basketball career spanned 13 seasons and six teams and included two trips to the NBA finals with the New Jersey Nets in 2002 and 2003. Green, 57, is a Hollywood movie producer and earned a Best Picture Oscar nomination for the movie 'The Help'. The couple even had one of the stars at their wedding. Octavia Spencer posted a picture of the happy couple walking down the aisle, captioning it: 'Welcome to the family @jasoncollins_98. You've chosen well, and so has he! Love you, B!'. Her co-star, Viola Davis, added: 'Aaaaahh!!!! Congratulations' with a series of love heart emojis. Collins and Green have been together since 2014, not long after he announced his retirement from the NBA. They reportedly got engaged in 2023 at the Los Angeles Lakers Pride Night. When Collins first came out, he also became the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. 'When I was younger, I dated women,' he wrote at the time. 'I even got engaged. I thought I had to live a certain way. I thought I needed to marry a woman and raise kids with her. 'I kept telling myself the sky was red, but I always knew it was blue.' As well as playing for the Nets, Collins represented the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards.


France 24
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- France 24
Arts 24 in Cannes: Viola Davis on beauty, strength and the radical act of self-love
08:23 Issued on: Modified: From the show The Cannes Film Festival might be over but we've got one last treat in store for you. Viola Davis is not only an Oscar, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning actress, but also an author, advocate, and now, a L'Oréal Paris ambassador. Her powerful performances have redefined Hollywood and her journey from abject poverty to the pinnacle of artistic achievement inspires millions. As she takes on new challenges with her action-packed thriller G20, the actress sits down with culture editor Eve Jackson for our final Cannes conversation.

IOL News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
'I stand with my brothers and sisters in South Africa': Viola Davis slams 'white genocide' narrative
Viola Davis has slammed allegations of "a white genocide" in South Africa. The multi-award winning actress took to social media to share that she stood with South Africans following months of claims of a genocide in SA. In a post on Instagram, Davis said, "Spent a lot of time in Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, and Durban… there is no argument. There is no justification. I've seen the ravages of apartheid. I've seen the townships — all Black. Full stop. "Thank you, @abbydphillip, for speaking truth to power. I stand with my brothers and sisters in South Africa. "NGIYAKUTHANDA" (Translated: I love you) In the clip, shared by Davis CNN's NewsNight anchor Abby Phillip was responding Scott Jennings's questions around murders in the SA. According to the statistics Phillip shared, there were 19,696 murders committed in SA between April to December 2024 with 36 being farm murders and seven farmers killed.


The South African
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Actress Viola Davis slams 'white genocide': 'I stand with SA brothers and sisters
US actress Viola Davis has joined many South Africans who have countered the 'misinformation' of a 'white genocide' in the country. The hot topic has been a bone of contention between the SA and US presidents, Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump, respectively, who meet this week for diplomatic talks. Viola is a Grammy-winning star who has been filmed in SA on multiple occasions and has also posted several viral clips of South African people. In an Instagram post, Viola Davis shared a clip of CNN reporter Abby Phillips countering claims of 'white genocide'. The News Watch presenter confronted conservative political analyst Scott Jennings, who defended white South Africans who claimed to be 'persecuted'. Abby said: 'The vast majority of people killed on farms are black, where is the concern about that?'. Viola captioned the clip: 'Spent a lot of time in Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, and Durban. There is no argument. There is no justification. I've seen the ravages of apartheid. I've seen the townships — ALL Black. Full stop' The actress added: 'I stand with my brothers and sisters in South Africa. NGIYAKUTHANDA!'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by VIOLA DAVIS (@violadavis) Like Viola Davis, fellow US actor DL Hughley has also condemned 'white genocide' claims from white South Africans, and in particular Afrikaner 'refugees'. Hughley reposted a video from South African TV and radio presenter Dan Corder, who revealed that one of the 'refugees', Charl Kleinhaus, lived a privileged life in South Africa. 'All this here', Hughley captioned the post. He later reposted a clip of social media commentator Pieter Kriel, who has been outspoken about the 'misinformation' about SA. View this post on Instagram A post shared by realdlhughley (@realdlhughley) Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.