December 22, 2024 09:08 AM

Oscar Buzz: Denzel Washington And Viola Davis Become Instant Frontrunners For "Fences"

"Fences," is the film adaptation of August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize winning play. It is directed by Denzel Washington who also won a Tony for the same material. The adaptation had won major Tony Awards on two separate Broadway productions according to Variety,

On Saturday, the film had a special screening at Westwood for Screen Actor Guild nominating committee members, Academy voters, and the press. Variety conducted a post screening Q&A with Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Jovan Adepo, Jovan Hornsby, Mykelti Williamson and Saniyya Sidney.

On the article, the lead actor was asked what drew him to the role of Troy Maxson. He answered that he was not interested to dive immediately on the material to be adapted on screen. But instead, he wants to work through it on stage first. Initially, producer Scott Rudin sent him the film script which the actor declined that led Rudin to raise money for the 2010 Broadway revival.

"August Wilson wrote a masterpiece," Washington told Variety. "It's one of the greatest plays of all time. It's the gift what keeps on giving and we found out, it works on a film as well," he added. Davis was first directed by Washington on the film "Antwone Fisher" back in 2002. The actress considers herself as a friend and a fan of the actor.. She spoke about her co-star that he is a great leader and an extraordinary man. "He's a man of God and a man of great integrity, and I think it shows in his work," the actress told the magazine.

Currently, film reviews are restrained until December and it is fair to say that Davis and Washington will move forward in the Oscar race according to Variety. After the screening, the team was greeted with a standing ovation by the audience. Washington delivered a performance with the "same bravado and energy" that won him a Tony Award six years ago. According to another Variety article, his greatest competition in the Best Actor Oscar race is none other than, Casey Affleck in "Manchester By The Sea,"

For Davis, there is an internal deliberation if she will be campaigned for the lead or supporting actress category. She can be a great force on both fields but the latter category will cement her path to Oscar victory, told by Variety. The other cast of the film that include Henderson, Willliamson, and Adepo, who also delivered powerful performances will also have chances on being nominated on the supporting actor category according to the article. It is also predicted that the film might score nominations for the picture, director, adapted screenplay and costume and production design.

"Fences" is a strong contender for the race mentioned in the Variety article. It was also stated there that the film is the kind of work that demands trophies- "and will no doubt claim its share." Please check the trailer of the film below and find out why it is Oscar worthy.

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Viola Davis, Oscars, Oscar awards, Hollywood News, Entertainment news, Trending news, Film
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