Viola Davis Is Getting A Huge Honor In 2017

Finally, a silver lining that everybody can look forward to: Essence reported that Viola Davis is getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, making her 2017's first honoree. According to the Walk of Fame website, Davis will receive the 2,597th star that's ever been awarded. All of her achievements in motion pictures will be honored — from her innumerable roles on stage and screen to her role as founder of JuVee Productions. If you happen to live close to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, you will have a chance to see her give a speech during the Jan. 5, 2017 ceremony for free. If I were you, I'd seize the opportunity to witness Davis is all of her glory during this special event. (But no worries if you can't be there in person, it will be livestreamed.)

Truth be told, I can't think of a better way to honor Davis, because it means her greatness will be officially and literally cemented for time immemorial. Are you really surprised that the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce chose Davis as their next honoree? There is no role Davis takes on that she doesn't succeed at, no film that has not been enhanced by her presence. In fact, 2016 alone should stand as enough of a testament to Davis' acting prowess: In addition to Suicide Squad, she also starred in Fences and ABC's How to Get Away With Murder.

Davis' banner year is just the latest in a long career of achievements. While her role in 2011's The Help could be considered her breakout into more high-profile gigs (it also earned her an Academy Award nomination), Davis has been acting for over 20 years. She went from Juilliard grad to various film, television, and theatrical roles — building up a body of work that may arguably be one of the most diverse, interesting, and unique of any actor working today. Before The Help, you may have spotted her in supporting roles in films like Disturbia, Syriana, Solaris, Trust, Knight and Day, and Eat, Pray, Love.

Davis has always been a star; now, Hollywood is finally catching up and honoring her accordingly.