PROVIDENCE— Lt. Gov. Elizabeth H. Roberts wished warm congratulations to two Rhode Island actors, Richard Jenkins and Viola Davis, who were nominated this morning by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Richard Jenkins was nominated for Best Actor Award for his leading role in the film, The Visitor, and Viola Davis received a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her performance in the filmed adaptation of the Broadway play Doubt.
“Richard Jenkins and Viola Davis make Rhode Island proud, not only for their accomplishments, but for their significant contributions to the local arts community,” Roberts said. “Richard Jenkins has been recognized after decades of outstanding performances, many of them here at Trinity Rep. And Ms. Davis, a Central Falls native and graduate of Rhode Island College, can truly be called a home-grown talent.”
Richard Jenkins and his family have lived in Rhode Island since coming to Trinity Rep nearly forty years ago. He served as Artistic Director of Trinity Rep from 1990 to 1994. Viola Davis is a graduate of Central Falls High School, Rhode Island College and received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from RIC in 2002. Ms. Davis won a Tony Award in 2001.