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Golden Gala Celebrates Viola Davis and Ted Danson’s Legendary Careers

Golden Gala Celebrates Viola Davis and Ted Danson’s Legendary Careers/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Viola Davis and Ted Danson were celebrated for their career achievements at the Golden Gala: An Evening of Excellence in Beverly Hills. Davis received the Cecil B. DeMille Award, reflecting on her journey from poverty to stardom, while Danson earned the Carol Burnett Award for his contributions to television.

Ted Danson arrives at Golden Gala: An Evening of Excellence on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Golden Gala Honorees: Quick Looks

  • Viola Davis Honored: Davis received the Cecil B. DeMille Award, reflecting on her path to success.
  • Ted Danson Celebrated: Danson was awarded the Carol Burnett Award for his iconic TV roles.
  • Star-Studded Event: Attendees included Carol Burnett, Jane Fonda, and Anthony Anderson.
  • Davis’ Reflection: She credited her drive to escape poverty as a key to her craft.
  • Danson’s Tribute: Danson’s wife, Mary Steenburgen, praised his kindness on and off set.
Viola Davis arrives at Golden Gala: An Evening of Excellence on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Golden Gala Celebrates Viola Davis and Ted Danson’s Legendary Careers

Deep Look

The Golden Gala: An Evening of Excellence honored Hollywood icons Viola Davis and Ted Danson for their outstanding contributions to film and television. Held in Beverly Hills ahead of the 82nd Golden Globes, the black-tie event marked the first time the Cecil B. DeMille and Carol Burnett Awards were celebrated at a dedicated gala.

Viola Davis: From Humble Beginnings to Hollywood Royalty

Viola Davis accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award with a heartfelt speech reflecting on her rise from poverty to becoming one of Hollywood’s most revered actors.

“If I waited for the perfect role, I wouldn’t be standing here,” Davis said, emphasizing the practical and transformative value of taking roles to refine her craft.

The Oscar-winning actress, known for her roles in “Fences,” “The Woman King,” “The Help,” and “How to Get Away with Murder,” highlighted her struggle as a “dark-skinned Black woman” to secure meaningful roles in an industry often lacking diversity.

Davis credited her upbringing as a driving force, saying:
“I don’t believe poverty is the answer to craft, and there’s no nobility in poverty.”

Meryl Streep, who co-starred with Davis in “Doubt,” presented the award, calling Davis “a pure artist who delivers the truth every time.” Streep, who previously received the DeMille Award, hailed Davis as her “favorite actor in the world.”

Davis recently achieved EGOT status, completing the quartet of Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony wins with a Grammy for her memoir “Finding Me.” Reflecting on her journey, Davis said:
“Little Viola is squealing. She’s wearing her red rubber boots and pulling on my dress, whispering, ‘I told you I was a magician.’”

Ted Danson: A Television Icon

Ted Danson received the Carol Burnett Award, cementing his legacy as a television trailblazer. Known for his iconic roles in “Cheers,” “The Good Place,” and “Fargo,” Danson has been a fixture on television for decades.

Danson’s wife, Mary Steenburgen, presented the award, praising his leadership and kindness on set:
“His joy in acting sets the tone for everyone around him, making long hours away from family feel like a shared experience.”

Danson, a three-time Golden Globe winner, expressed gratitude for his career, saying:
“I feel so grateful. I’m truly the luckiest… on Earth.”

He traded heartfelt moments with Carol Burnett, who was the first recipient of the award in 2019. Burnett’s admiration for Danson underscored his impact on the industry.

Danson also thanked the creators of “Cheers,” Glen and Les Charles, who surprised him by attending the event.

A Night to Remember

The event featured a star-studded guest list, including Jane Fonda, Anthony Anderson, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, and Steve Guttenberg. Musical performances and heartfelt tributes added to the evening’s celebratory tone.

The gala showcased the enduring influence of Davis and Danson, two performers whose work has shaped both the big and small screens. With their awards, they join a distinguished roster of past recipients, including Oprah Winfrey, Tom Hanks, Barbra Streisand, Norman Lear, and Ellen DeGeneres.

Legacy of the Awards

The Cecil B. DeMille Award celebrates lifetime achievement in film, while the Carol Burnett Award recognizes exceptional contributions to television. The Golden Gala emphasized their significance, spotlighting two careers marked by resilience, talent, and a lasting impact on Hollywood.


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