There were some incredible moments Sunday evening at the Academy Awards but one of the biggest disappointments—at least in our opinion—was Viola Davis not winning Best Supporting Actress for her role in Doubt. Davis plays the mother of the first black student at a Bronx parochial school. Scandal develops after a new priest (Phillip Seymour Hoffman) develops a "special relationship" with the boy. Davis is seen only during one extended scene but her performance is a tour de force.
In the new issue of Windy City Times, the Chicago-based LGBT newsweekly, there is an extensive interview with the actress. Davis speaks out on race and sexuality, and, her comments complement the recent discussion at Rod 2.0 on the difference between "pedophiles" and "gay" men.
WCT: The film allows for many implications about sexuality and misconduct. Gay men have been demonized by society as child molesters. The difference between child molesters and gay men seems to have blurred within the church and in society. What are your thoughts on this issue?
DAVIS: First of all, in my life I know that is not the case. I have to say that when I first came to the big city I heard all kinds of ideas that were so strange to me. My experience with pedophiles in my past … they haven't been gay, and it's just like all people who are miserable weren't married; some where just living with each other. I reject that as a person. Homosexuals are demonized; I saw a lot of demonic people in my life of all colors across the spectrum. ... My character is absolutely in the mindset of... I can't reveal that to you because it's a spoiler, but I think my character is of that mindset, also. I don't think she has demonized this man [ Father Flynn ] also. I think she sees him as probably gay, but that's just who he is.
WCT: In the powerful exchange between your character and Sister Aloysius, Mrs. Miller refers to her son Donald as being “different.” I translated this to mean he is gay. Is he?
DAVIS: I can't reveal that to you or else I would have to kill you and you wouldn't leave the room. I'll tell you when [ points to the recorder ] it's off.
Viola Davis' remarks are brilliant. It's too bad the same questions were not asked by the specialty black media who interviewed the actress before the Oscars, because there needs to be much more education about sexuality and sexual abuse in the black church and black community. But it's wonderful the gay community has a strong new ally.
No "Doubt" About Davis [WCT]
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Viola Davis was ROBBED!!!
She should have won that award because her role was on FIRE! You rarely see that much emotion on film.
And this interview is another reason why I love this woman so much. I so wish these questions were asked by Ebony or Jet or black reporters. We need the help so badly.
Posted by: Hendly | 25 February 2009 at 10:11
i haven't seen this movie but really want to...viola davis is one of my favorite actresses. i am so proud a black woman is speaking out on behalf gay men and little black gay kids...love her
Posted by: Antwan | 25 February 2009 at 10:16
Viola's performance is riveting..
Posted by: Carl | 25 February 2009 at 10:23
Love Viola and love the Windy City Times.
Unfortunately and sadly this is something that the black media does not touch. Those base subscribers/readers of Ebony or Jet are church folks, unfortunately.
Posted by: Kevin | 25 February 2009 at 10:28
WOW. I'm in Chicago and didn't even see this article.
Kevin is right...this is the type of thing black media needs to question and report but they don't. Instead they will ask about her dress or some nonsense like that...I'm just happy Viola was nominated and is strong role model and pro gay...
Posted by: BL | 25 February 2009 at 10:33
judging by some of the comments in the previous article about rahsaan patterson, it's a shame a straight black woman has a more nuanced view of sexuality than some gay men.
thank you viola, thank you very much
Posted by: Shane Moseley | 25 February 2009 at 10:40
Beautiful interview.
I agree 110% with Kevin and Rod. This is the message we need to get out in our community but fear and ignorance prevent it. The majority of child molesters are hetero and most gay men are not 'recruiting' little boys and all that nonsense. But sadly we are not our best advocates and many of us would rather stay closeted and go to Rev So and So's high profile church.
Posted by: Dalton H | 25 February 2009 at 10:44
Viola's story is so inspiring.
I only wish more people could hear her testimony.
Most pedophiles are NOT gay and most gay men are NOT pedophiles.
Sadly this is not the message heard and spread in our black churches and community.
But there is hope. Only this week the NAACP made very big steps on gay rights and opened the door for a conversation.
Posted by: Talarico | 25 February 2009 at 11:30
Rod,
Again, bless you for getting the word out. If it were not for this posting, I wouldn't KNOW that I could call Viola Davis, who for me is THE MOST GIFTED ACTRESS ALIVE (and that's real!), friend!
Her words were powerful and loving and real. We have got to be stronger about loving on our advocates and friends in the LBGT Black and Brown communities and ROD...YOU DO THAT WITH APLOMB AND CONSISTENCY!
Thank you.
Now, I am with the crew who KNOWS she was robbed (but I get that the Academy "owed" Penelope for a masterful career in films that they have never honored), but the GREAT ROBBERY OF HOLLYWOOD will be if Ms. Davis doesn't find herself in front of the camera, again and again, devouring scenery and superstars!
Meryl Streep clearly steps back to let Viola HAVE that scene, with every look and snarl and moment!
VIOLA DAVIS IS BRILLIANT and Hollywood better recognize and give her a lead in something so juicy that we will be around the block.
Thank you Rod, for reminding me that there are some lovely people on the planet who speak in plain english at all times and not just went the right camera is rolling.
Now, if Viola and Oprah (who could be sisters sometimes in their appearance) ever decided to do something TOGETHER, I just might float away!
Posted by: TheRevKev | 25 February 2009 at 12:49
Rev Kev and Hendly ... I agree. Miss Viola Davis was robbed! She deserved that Oscar but the sentiment was for Penelope Cruz. It is what it is.
Rev Kev, I applaud your comments as alsways... and ask is this perghaps a case of what you were saying in the other post? That predators sometimes look for little boys who are "different"?
And yes, this woman is forceful and strong, god bless her!
Posted by: Greg G | 25 February 2009 at 13:53
One more thing... let me echo the good reverend and say "thanks" to Rod for calling this to our attention. The gay community often overlooks black LGBTs and black straight allies... I am glad we have a resource to find our own heroes and icons!
Posted by: Greg G | 25 February 2009 at 13:55
Greg G, I think that's a regional thing.
On the national level, I would agree with you. Certainly that seems to be the case in California. But both gay newspapers in Chicago have been pretty good (not perfect), overall, in getting black (and Latino) GLBT news out there.
Posted by: Kevin | 25 February 2009 at 14:26
Greg G.
EXACTLY! In this case, this may have been a gay man who was paying attention to the young man because he was "different" and he understood that difference and wanted to protect him. OR was he aware of the difference and hawking down on it. EITHER WAY, adults can see that DIFFERENT in a young person and can either LIFT them and guide them and support them OR berate them, victimize them and destroy them.
It's so brilliantly timely that this post came after the Rahsaan posting indeed.
Different boys get treated differently, indeed. Great observation Greg!
Blessings abound,
RevKev!
Posted by: TheRevKev | 25 February 2009 at 21:03
I love your comments and your spirit RevKev. I always smile when you comment, you give us all a little something. ;)
Posted by: Antonio | 25 February 2009 at 21:44
this is a great topic. i loooove viola davis and so admire her work. but i had no idea she was all this. a sistah! speaking gospel and telling the truth about gays, i love it
revkev, do you many survivors of abuse come to you for counseling? you seem to know exactly what you are talking about, it is very comforting
Posted by: Carlos | 25 February 2009 at 23:16
I was a fan of Viola before, but now I worship her! And I was dissapointed when she and Meryl didn't win. (but I wasn't mad when Winslet won, it was about time for her.) I hope to see more of her and Taraji in the future.
Posted by: Dluv | 26 February 2009 at 00:03
I was extremely disappointed with the some of the Oscar wins for this year. Especially, with Penelope Cruz being awarded for Best Supporting Actress. Every prediction called for Ms. Viola or Ms. Kate to win that category. It only confirms that the Academy doesn't really know how recognize and award actress for their talent. That's why not that many people view the Oscars anymore. We all know that just because a person is awarded a trophy doesn't mean that it was well-deserved.
Posted by: Shaun A. Brown | 26 February 2009 at 00:05