The acclaimed actress and producer dared to bare her midriff, donning a white crop top with a sleek white pantsuit. Her ensemble was complemented by a chrome clutch and pumps, styled by the talented duo of Elizabeth Stewart and Jordan Grossman. Hairstylist Jamika Wilson created a dark, curly fringed bob wig for Davis, while makeup artist Autumn Moultrie enhanced her features with a smoky eye, false lashes, blush, and a glossy Cabernet pout.
Davis proudly showcased her Champion of Literacy trophy, posing against the stunning waterfront backdrop. While she is best known for her exceptional acting career, Davis has also been quietly building her own publishing empire. Alongside her husband and producing partner, Julius Tennon, she launched JVL Media in April, with the aim of amplifying diverse and authentic voices in the industry.
The couple, who will celebrate their 21st wedding anniversary on June 23, have also invested in ALTR, an upcoming self-help app featuring short-form audiobooks from influential Black figures. Davis, a true advocate for self-love and joy, shared her secrets to feeling beautiful and young, including nightly baths with her husband, working out, and spending time with her daughter.
The event also honored other notable figures, including Ethan Hawke, who was in attendance with his wife, Ryan Shawhughes Hawke. Hawke, a prolific author himself, has published six books, including his most recent novel, “A Bright Ray of Darkness.” The evening’s hosts, TODAY weather anchor Al Roker and ABC News’ Deborah Roberts, were also recognized with the Spirit of Literacy trophies.
Davis’ upcoming projects include the role of POTUS Taylor Sutton in the Amazon MGM Studios thriller “G20,” and the voice of Amanda Waller in the adult animated series “Creature Commandos.” Her production company, JuVee Productions, continues to create impactful content across various platforms.
‘I use beauty as a tool to help me embrace the joy in life and further my self-love, and I feel like people see that radiating through. I work out, I put on a nice shade of lipstick – to please me,’ Davis told Harper’s Bazaar UK on May 28.
‘I take a bath every night, with my husband, and we sit in the tub and we laugh and we talk, we do facials. I tell him how pretty he looks, he says how beautiful I look. I love facials, acid peels, steam showers, red-light therapy, and drinking water.
‘Running around with my daughter keeps me feeling young and she makes me laugh – and I’ve decided I like my smile, so I want to laugh more. Feeling the sunshine – with sunscreen on, of course – makes me feel alive.’
On March 1, Variety reported that the L’Oréal brand ambassador had just wrapped her role as POTUS Taylor Sutton in Patricia Riggen’s G20 Summit-set terrorist thriller G20, which they shot in Cape Town, for Amazon MGM Studios.
Viola will reprise her DC Comics role as Suicide Squad commander Amanda Waller in James Gunn’s seven-episode adult animated series Creature Commandos, which will be ‘released later this year’ on Max.
On March 10, Gunn shared an update on Davis’ standalone spin-off Waller: ‘Waller’s still happening and Jeremy [Saulnier] and Christal [Henry] are hard at work writing great stuff, but the schedule was impacted by the strikes so Waller will come after [Peacemaker season two] in the larger order of things.’
The URI commencement speaker overcame an impoverished upbringing in Rhode Island, living in apartments that were ‘condemned and rat-infested,’ and struggled with loneliness. However, she persevered and earned a full scholarship to Rhode Island College through the federal program TRIO Upward Bound. She went on to graduate from the prestigious Julliard School.
Viola and Julius – who take nightly baths together – mingled with TODAY weather anchor Al Roker (L) and ABC News’ Deborah Roberts (2-L) at the party
Davis posed for a picture with fellow honoree Ethan Hawke (R), whom she’s never worked with before on stage or screen
The 53-year-old Oscar nominee – whose 1989 film Dead Poets Society scored him a cameo in Taylor Swift’s Fortnight music video – has published six books, most recently A Bright Ray of Darkness: A Novel in 2021
Ethan looked dapper in a classic black suit as he was joined on the red carpet by his second wife Ryan Shawhughes Hawke (L), who wore a black lace maxi-dress and patent leather pumps
Hawke originally met his 41-year-old producing partner (L) through his literary agent before he hired her on as a nanny during his five-year marriage to Gattaca leading lady Uma Thurman, which ended in 2005
The Wildcat filmmaker even took part in the silent auction while seated at table 20
TODAY weather anchor Al Roker (L) and ABC News’ Deborah Roberts (R) were both honored with the Spirit of Literacy trophies
60 Minutes reporter Lesley Rene Stahl took to the podium in a red sparkly gown to serve presenting duties
TODAY news anchor Craig Melvin donned a black velvet tuxedo to attend the gala with his wife of 12 years, Lindsay Czarniak, rocking a black sheer top and silver-sequin skirt
On Monday, Davis posed for a picture with fellow honoree Ethan Hawke, marking the first time the two have crossed paths professionally. Hawke, a celebrated actor and author, has published six books, including his most recent novel, “A Bright Ray of Darkness.”
The 53-year-old Oscar nominee, known for films like “Dead Poets Society,” has had a prolific career, even scoring a cameo in Taylor Swift’s “Fortnight” music video. Hawke looked dapper in a classic black suit, accompanied by his wife, Ryan Shawhughes Hawke, who exuded elegance in a black lace maxi-dress and patent leather pumps.
Hawke met his current wife, who is also his producing partner, through his literary agent. They have been together since his marriage to “Gattaca” co-star Uma Thurman ended in 2005. The Wildcat filmmaker even participated in the silent auction, adding to the evening’s charitable spirit.