By Neia Balao
8:04pm PDT, Aug 11, 2021
Viola Davis has been entertaining audiences with her exceptional skills on the big and small screen and Broadway stage for nearly three decades. The South Carolina native has also mastered another crucial part of being an A-list talent — dressing to impress! In honor of Viola's 56th birthday on Aug. 11, 2021, Wonderwall.com is taking a look at her best sartorial moments… starting with this pretty pop of color she served at the 2018 Academy Awards. The "How to Get Away with Murder" star looked sensational in the custom Michael Kors Collection hot pink crepe confection. The gown, which she accessorized with 100 carats of diamonds by Norman Silverman, was embellished with sequins and beads. Keep reading for more…
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Viola Davis hit the red carpet at the 2021 Academy Awards in this custom gown by Alexander McQueen. The strapless floor-length creation featured intricate floral cut-outs along the bodice, which elevated the classic silhouette. She completed her look with Forevermark jewelry.
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Baby blue is definitely one of Viola Davis's colors! At the 22nd Annual Critics' Choice Awards in 2016, Viola Davis arrived on the red carpet in this gorgeous, sparkly confection by Michael Kors Collection. She kept her accessories fairly simple, choosing a structured pearlescent clutch and dangling earrings.
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In 2012, Viola Davis arrived at the British Academy Film and Television Awards in this eye-catching peachy-pink gown by Valentino. The confection, according to the Daily Mail, was made from recycled water bottles! We also adore the frock's one-shoulder design and sultry thigh-high slit.
Not every moment has to be all glitz and glam! In 2019 while attending the Tribeca Film Festival screening of "A Touch of Sugar," Viola Davis sported a casual-cool ensemble — a black turtleneck and black pants under a floor-length cream-colored Max Mara coat and platform sneakers by Hogan.
It seems Viola Davis has a go-to silhouette: At the 2017 Golden Globe Awards, the "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" actress donned a bright yellow figure-flattering gown by Michael Kors. The beauty was in its simplicity — clean lines anchored by a one-shoulder design. Viola then added 90 carats of Harry Winston diamonds to take things up a notch.
Could Viola Davis look any more chic? The "Fences" actress was a dream at the 2019 Rome Film Festival in a custom white gown by Michael Kors that featured a halter neckline and a shimmery silver criss-cross detail around the waist. As for accessories? Viola opted for a clutch adorned in Swarovski crystals by Tyler Ellis and jewels by Crivelli. We absolutely love her bob with bangs too.
Classy as ever! In 2019, Viola Davis arrived at the 71st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in a black-and-white confection by Alberta Ferrari. From the unexpected single sleeve to the wrap-around bodice, this "How to Get Away with Murder" darling was a total vision. She accessorized with gems by Forevermark.
We like how laid back she looks here! In 2020, Viola Davis attended the "Troop Zero" film premiere in Los Angeles wearing a sleeveless silk cowl neck top and black leather leggings by J Brand. She finished off the casual-cool ensemble with strappy silver sandals.
Viola Davis certainly isn't someone who shies away from a bold red carpet moment! At the 2017 British Academy Film Awards, she stunned in this blue multi-hued Jenny Packham chiffon confection featuring a sweetheart neckline.
For the Focus Features Golden Globe Awards afterparty in 2018, Viola Davis opted for a sultry figure-hugging confection by Brandon Maxwell and added layers of glistening jewels. That evening, A-listers donned black to show their support for the Time's Up and #MeToo movements.
A standout! At the 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2013, Viola Davis stunned in this dreamy turquoise confection from Monique Lhuillier's Spring 2013 collection. From its Grecian-inspired draping along the shoulder to its glam train, this bold gown turned heads that evening.
A basically all-black ensemble? Count us in! For the Sundance Film Festival screening of "Troop Zero" in 2019, Viola Davis went for a weather-appropriate getup. The star of "The Help" donned a black sweater, leather pants and boots as well as a black parka that featured sheepskin lining.
There's something totally classic about a strapless black gown! Proving once again that she looks stunning in just about everything, Viola Davis went for a sultry yet simple vibe in this design by Elizabeth Kennedy, which she wore to the gala for "Widows" at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival. The real standout element of her look, though? That beaded statement necklace by the South African brand House of Yimama.
At the 2017 Screen Actors Guild Awards, Viola Davis went full-on bridal! That evening, to celebrate her nod for best female actor in a supporting role for "Fences," she wore this stunning ivory gown by Vivienne Westwood and accessorized with a diamond statement necklace by Nirav Modi and a structured black clutch.
We love a dramatic thigh-high slit moment! In 2012, Viola Davis attended the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards in a deep red gown that — surprise! — featured a single shoulder design. The custom chiffon frock by Emilio Pucci also included an elegant train and delicate braided detailing around the waist. She finished the look with jewels by Fred Leighton and a gold clutch by Judith Leiber.
In 2018, Viola Davis looked all kinds of chic when she attended The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment event in a black-and-white ensemble — a crisp black blazer atop a white wide-legged pant suit.
A teal dream! Viola Davis wowed at the 86th Annual Academy Awards in 2014 in this strapless gown by Escada featuring a structured bodice. Her beauty and accessory choices were on-point to: In addition to rocking glamorous finger waves, the Oscar winner accessorized with jewels by Lorraine Schwartz.
In 2019, Tyler Perry Studios opened in Atlanta — and Viola Davis definitely dressed for the occasion. The actress donned a rather unique jumpsuit by Jay Godfrey with a flattering sweetheart neckline and a skirt overlay that flowed with every movement.
Viola Davis sure looks good in white! At the 2017 American Music Awards, the Tony Award winner hit the red carpet in this floor-length Michael Kors Collection frock. As she's shown time and time again, the designer's garments look stunning on her — no matter the color or silhouette.
