Viola Davis, an acclaimed actress celebrated for her diverse roles and EGOT status, recently expressed high praise for Michael B. Jordan after his Best Actor win at the Academy Awards for his role in Sinners. Speaking in an interview with Variety on March 10, Davis highlighted Jordan’s emerging influence in filmmaking and his promising future as a director.
Davis Praises Michael B. Jordan’s Emerging Leadership in Film
During the interview, Viola Davis shared how she and her husband, actor and producer Julius Tennon, found joy in witnessing Michael B. Jordan’s achievement. She described Jordan as both an extraordinary individual and a strong leader, expressing optimism about the impact he will have on African American cinema as he transitions into directing.
“Me and my husband [actor and producer Julius Tennon] have been laughing for two days.”
“Michael B Jordan is an incredible human and an incredible leader. It’s extremely exciting what he’s going to become. Now he’s getting into directing and he is going to bring African American filmmaking into a beautiful place.”
Although Davis and Jordan have not yet acted together, her admiration underlines the respect Jordan commands among his peers as he shapes his career beyond acting.
Insights Into Viola Davis’s Literary Journey
In the same Variety conversation, Viola Davis discussed her recent fiction book, Judge Stone, which she co-authored with James Patterson. She revealed that writing became a refuge for her during a difficult childhood, marking her first foray into fictional storytelling.
“When I was 9, I said, ‘I’m going to be a writer,’ and I wanted to be a crime writer. It was a chance to live in another world. And people responded to my writing, especially my fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Cody. Whenever someone notices you’re really good at something, it becomes a portal.”
Davis also contrasted writing her memoir with creating her new novel, emphasizing the creative freedom and emotional release she found in fiction writing.
“That’s just 30% of who I am in that book. There’s a lot of things you don’t remember, a lot of things you can’t fit in, a lot of things that you haven’t processed yet and a lot of things you don’t want to share. But with ‘Judge Stone,’ it’s like running in a field of cherry blossoms and daisies and just letting your imagination rip and roar.”
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Projects and Influence
Viola Davis’s diverse talents continue to expand, with her starring role in the upcoming action-thriller G20, set to be released on Prime Video starting April 10, 2026. Her ongoing creative ventures and her encouraging words regarding Michael B. Jordan highlight a hopeful future for African American artists in both acting and filmmaking.
The recognition Davis offers Michael B. Jordan signals his growing stature as a leader in the industry, suggesting that his work behind the camera will be an important force in shaping narratives and representation. As Davis herself advances her career in writing and acting, the collaboration and mutual respect among these accomplished figures stand to inspire future generations in entertainment.
Viola Davis says Michael B. Jordan "is going to bring African American filmmaking into a beautiful place."https://t.co/HYdtJmL8ek pic.twitter.com/5duXfueyXN
— Variety (@Variety) March 10, 2026
