Viola Davis To Star In Biopic Of Groundbreaking Politician Barbara Jordan

News

by Joe Cunningham
March 9, 2012 10:19 AM
8 Comments

Since picking up her first Oscar nomination when she stole the show in "Doubt," Viola Davis has developed into one of the most respected actresses in Hollywood -- someone you know you can go to for a guaranteed good performance, no matter the role. And now that she's won that well-deserved Oscar for Best Actress the world is her oyster and we can't wait... Sorry, what's that? You're saying Davis didn't win? Meryl Streep did? Aww man. Well that sucks, but who knows, maybe Davis has just found the project that will see her take home the little golden bald man next time.

Davis is set to play the lead role in a Barbara Jordan biopic. If you're young and naive like this writer, then that name may not automatically ring any bells. Well Variety describes Barbara Jordan as "the booming voice of the nation's conscience during the Watergate hearings, and an African-American pioneer in politics and other areas." Ooh, okay, that sounds like a fairly meaty role, doesn't it. Davis will also produce the film alongside her husband, Julius Tennon, through their JuVee banner.

The story comes from the optioned biography, "Barbara Jordan: American Hero," and will track Jordan's ascent from a poor Houston neighborhood to an elected member of Congress. There's no script written yet, but as soon as there is then we'd expect the film to swiftly go into pre-production. While that's being written you'll be able to find us down at the bookmakers, placing a sizable bet on Davis winning the Oscar for Best Actress at the 2014 Academy Awards.

News

More: Viola Davis

8 Comments

| Reply
Sam | March 10, 2012 8:47 PMReply

um....Streep won the Oscar not Davis, but we all know it was meant for her anyway.
Laurie Mann | March 10, 2012 8:00 AMReply

I'm sure Viola Davis will get Barbara Jordan's voice and manner. I hope the director remembers that Jordan's imposing size mattered too. This sounds like a very good project for Davis.
med | March 9, 2012 2:42 PMReply

Streep will win her 4th for August Osage County. This is a role that is simply too juicy to not snag Oscar no matter the comptetition...

DD-Your comment makes no sense at all. Streep won the Oscar for TIL because she gave a better performance than Davis (wig or no wig)...
DD | March 10, 2012 5:57 AM

Doubt it (hehe). Remember "Doubt"? I think she will get one more one day but not anytime soon. Maybe a decade or two from now. Even she gives best performance ever, the academy members aren't going to vote for her again so soon.
a | March 9, 2012 3:11 PM

Streep *always* plays roles that are "simply too juicy." Just like Day-Lewis. But there's a limit to how many Oscars the Academy is going to give to a single actor. Even if Day-Lewis gives the best performance of the year as Lincoln, I'm not sure the Academy will give him a third Best Actor Oscar. Same goes for Streep. A lot of people would be pissed, I think, if she beat out Davis a second time, however good her performance.
dd | March 9, 2012 10:50 AMReply

Yes, she'd better be up against Meryl Streep in August: Osage County at the Oscar and snatch her wig!! Totally robbeddddd!
a | March 9, 2012 10:26 PM

You replied to the wrong comment, but OK. No, I actually think Streep WILL make it to four Oscars. Someday. I just think it's obvious that if there's another very close race between Davis and Streep only *two years* later, Davis will take it, since Streep very recently won one. And the Academy does care what people think, which is why they take into account critic's awards and precursors. Despite what people think of Paltrow, Bullock, and Zellweger NOW, I think all their Oscars seemed inevitable those years. Bullock, remember, was in a very tight race with Streep (in a "simply too juicy" role) and a lot of factors contributed to her win (the fact that she had had a long career in the business, was well-liked, gave a "baity" performance, etc). I don't think everybody was exactly angry, despite what they may have thought about the performance. But anyway, let's stop talking about the 2014 Oscars...
med | March 9, 2012 9:06 PM

Seems like the same argument why Streep would not receive her third Oscar. Seems she won anyway. Oscar does not care if people are "pissed" at their choices. Otherwise, Bullock, Paltrow, Zellwegger, and many others would not have won