Viola Davis won her first Oscar on her third nomination for the drama “Fences,” based on August Wilson’s play of the same name.
Wilson wrote the screenplay before his death in 2005.
“I became an artist, and thank God I did, because we are the only profession that celebrates what it means to live a life,” Miss Davis said in her acceptance speech. “Here’s to August Wilson, who exulted the ordinary people.”
Miss Davis was up against two other African-American actresses, Octavia Spencer for “Hidden Figures” and Naomi Harris for “Loving.”
Actor Mahersala Ali, also an African-American, earlier in the evening won best supporting actor for “Moonlight.”
In the adapted screenplay category, Barry Jenkins and Tarell Alvin McCraney won for “Moonlight,” bringing up the total of African-American winners for the evening.
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“For those who think they have no voice, the Academy has your back,” Mr. McCraney said.
• Eric Althoff can be reached at twt@washingtontimes.com.
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