LEXINGTON, KY -- Viola Davis, who won an Oscar for her performance in the film "Fences," spoke at the University of Kentucky on Thursday.
Beth Barnes, a professor at UK, interviewed Davis at the Singletary Center for the Arts concert hall on UK's campus. Davis started off the night by speaking about her new movie "Fences," which is set to release on DVD on March 14. After being nominated for an Oscar three times, Davis finally won for her performance in "Fences."
Danielle Duncan, a sophomore at UK, said, "During the Viola Davis event I felt very honored just to be in her presence. As a woman of color, I feel like it is important to have role models like her that prove to us that we can accomplish our dreams if we put in the hard work."
Davis said that Cicely Tyson, the actress who plays her mother on "How to Get Away with Murder," is one of her inspirations. She also said that other actresses, like Jane Alexander, Colleen Dewhurst and Rosalind Cash, inspire her.
Davis also spoke about her character in "How to Get Away with Murder," Annalise Keating. She said that she did not like when people asked her what it was like to play such an "unlikable" character.
"One of the reasons I signed up for Annalise is because I don't think she's likable. It makes a huge statement about women in the 21st century. You've got to accept us for who we are. Who we are is good enough," Davis said, regarding her character in "How to Get Away with Murder."
Stephanie Wisniewski, a sophomore at UK, said, "I watch HTGAWM and I love her character and how well she does portraying Annalise Keating in the show."
Davis ended the night by answering questions from the audience via Twitter. When she was asked what piece of advice she would give to college students, she gave an inspirational answer. One piece of advice that stuck with the students was, "Don't compare yourself to anyone else," according to Duncan.
Davis won an Emmy for her performance in "How to Get Away with Murder" in 2015. She also won a Tony Award for her performance in the play adaptation of "Fences" in 2010.
The UK Student Activities Board had been trying to get Davis to come speak for several years, according to LexGo .
