Two decades ago, Viola Davis struck a chord with audiences for her brief portrayal of Eva May in the film “Antwone Fisher.”
Davis only uttered a few words followed by a powerful silence relying solely on expression in a scene with Derek Luke, who plays the lead character Antwone Fisher.
Davis shared a sentimental Instagram post bringing attention to the film’s anniversary, calling it the “joy” of her career.
Additionally, she also revealed she was paid $671 for a day’s work.
“THIS was one day of work. I was paid $671 and…..it was the JOY of my career!!! 🙏🏿❤️ @derekluke #AntwoneFisher #20YearsAgoToday,” Davis wrote on Instagram.
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Many users gave Davis her well-deserved flowers while some shared polarizing reactions about her compensation for the film, in a post shared by theJasmineBRAND.
“That film is a beautiful movie. That’s horrible that she was paid so little. I get low budgets but damn I was paid 500 for background work before,” one Instagram user wrote in a post shared by theJasmineBRAND.
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“It’s not always about the money when you’re doing something you love. The fruits of your labor will follow behind your dedication,” another user wrote.
“At that time that is about right… Once taxes were taken out, agent fees, etc. Yep that is probably what was left. But look at God. Look where she is Now,” said another user.
“People say, ‘You’re a black Meryl Streep … We love you. There is no one like you,” Davis said, according to PEOPLE. “OK, then if there’s no one like me, you think I’m that, you pay me what I’m worth.”