Whether making us analyze and reflect upon race relations in America as Aibileen Clark in The Help or blowing our minds when it comes to constructs surrounding mental health as Dr. Eden Minerva in It's Kind of a Funny Story, Viola Davis remains the embodiment of Hollywood acting at its finest. In my humblest opinion, the best roles — the best films or television shows — are those which make us question our fragility. Those which make us realize the hideous state of affairs that consumes the world, and how we fit into that. But all grimness aside, Viola is a shining star. And her classically brilliant couture dresses (shout out to that red and strapless Donna Karan gown at the Golden Globes) echo that beauty. Tonight, she's wearing a custom Max Mara gown at the 21st annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, and to put it simply: She is demure and lovely.
Nominated for the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series for her role as Annalise Keating in How to Get Away With Murder, Viola is worthy of any and all accolades. Like Meryl Streep, she maintains privacy, sensibility and quiet grace as the years wear past — never faltering. Viola's acting impresses time and time again because it just seems so effortless: Almost as though she's preserving a strong sense of self even when delving into the profound characterization of the roles she plays. And this sense of self is evident in the minimalist yet bold and exquisite dress she wears today. From the peekaboo slit to the haltered straps, she's perfect.
Images: Getty
