Viola Davis made Oscars history this season when she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Rose Maxson in Fences. She not only became the first African-American woman with three Oscar nominations, surpassing Whoopi Goldberg, but she is also poised to become the first black actor—male or female—to win the Triple Crown of Acting (one each of a competitive Oscar, Emmy and Tony). A win for Davis would mean, above all, recognition of her fierce talent as a performer, but it would also give audiences another chance to enjoy one of her unfailingly powerful acceptance speeches. Here, TIME looks back at Davis’ most memorable roles.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Nicola Coughlan Bet on Herself—And Won
- What Kind of President Would Kamala Harris Be?
- Is Adrenal Fatigue Real?
- Why It's So Hard to Quit Vaping
- Our Guide to Voting in the 2024 Election
- The 10 Races That Will Determine Control of the Senate
- Column: How My Shame Became My Strength
- Meet TIME's Newest Class of Next Generation Leaders
Contact us at letters@time.com