Through talent and a nose-to-the-grindstone work ethic, Viola Davis's performance in Tate Taylor's THE HELP only made it seem like the role was created for her. In a truly winning performance, Davis plays Aibileen Clark, a taciturn, grieving African American maid who eventually opens up her heart and discovers her inner courage to change thought in the prejudiced and segregated 1960s Mississippi. In 2009, SBIFF honored Davis with the Virtuosos Award for her Oscar-nominated portrayal of a torn mother in John Patrick Shanley's DOUBT. The year 2011 brought not only her critically lauded performance in THE HELP, but a mesmerizing and scene-stealing role in Stephen Daldry's EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE. Already garnering accolades for her role as Aibileen Clark, Davis is most fitting to receive this year's Outstanding Performer of the Year Award.

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The Help | Trailer