The Golden Globes have announced that acclaimed actress, producer, and activist Viola Davis will receive the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2025. Davis, a multiple award-winning talent and one of Hollywood’s most influential figures, will be honored at a special ceremony in January.
Davis, known for her powerful roles in both film and television, won her first Golden Globe Award in 2017 for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal in *Fences*. The film, an adaptation of August Wilson’s play, also starred Denzel Washington, a previous recipient of the Cecil B. DeMille Award. The honor, which celebrates outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry, will be awarded to Davis at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards.
The Cecil B. DeMille Award, established in 1952, has been bestowed on some of Hollywood’s most legendary figures, including Walt Disney, Sidney Poitier, Barbra Streisand, and Oprah Winfrey. It is named after the famed director Cecil B. DeMille, a pioneer in filmmaking who left an indelible mark on the movie industry.
Helen Hoehne, President of the Golden Globes, praised Davis’ extraordinary body of work. “Viola Davis is a luminary whose profound talent has continuously shifted the lens through which we see and understand film,” Hoehne said in a statement. “Her dedication to her craft and her impact on the industry are unmatched. With her courage in portraying complex, powerful characters, she has broken barriers and set new standards for excellence.”
A trailblazer in both her career and activism, Davis is the first Black woman to win the “Triple Crown of Acting”—an Oscar, an Emmy, and a Tony Award. She has also won a Grammy Award, making her one of the few people to achieve the status of EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony winner). Time Magazine named her one of the world’s most influential people in 2017, and in 2022, she received the William O. Douglas Award for her commitment to social justice.
Davis is also dedicated to social causes, particularly in her efforts to fight childhood hunger in the U.S. Along with her husband, actor Julius Tennon, Davis founded JuVee Productions in 2012. The production company focuses on amplifying underrepresented voices through impactful narratives in film, television, and other media. Their projects highlight social justice themes and offer a platform for diverse stories.
In addition to her acting and producing career, Davis is a New York Times bestselling author and an advocate for equal opportunities in entertainment. She holds honorary degrees from The Juilliard School and Rhode Island College.
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The 2025 Golden Globes ceremony, which will honor Davis and Carol Burnett (recipient of the Carol Burnett Award for television achievements), will take place on January 3, 2025, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The evening will celebrate these iconic figures with a gala dinner and special recognition. The Golden Globes will also feature Davis’ award presentation during the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards broadcast on January 5, 2025.
For the first time, the Golden Globes will air on CBS and stream live on Paramount+ in the U.S., offering audiences both live and on-demand access. The ceremony will run from 8:00 to 11:00 PM ET/5:00 to 8:00 PM PT.
Nominations for the Golden Globes will be announced on December 9, 2024.
The Golden Globes, often called “Hollywood’s Party of the Year,” is one of the most-watched entertainment awards shows globally, celebrating excellence in both film and television. Since its debut in 1944, the Golden Globes have honored the best in the industry, with the ceremony reaching over 185 countries. The Golden Globes also contribute to charitable causes, including entertainment-related scholarships, film restoration, and efforts promoting inclusivity in Hollywood. For more information, visit GoldenGlobes.com.
