Viola Davis, known for her extraordinary achievements across Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards, shared a deeply personal message about worthiness during the world premiere of her documentary Food 2050 on Wednesday night at the Ted Mann Theater within the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. The film explores future possibilities for global food systems and was presented by Foodtank alongside Media Red’s Tom Leach and The Rockefeller Foundation’s Roy Steiner. Through her narration and executive production, Davis brings attention to the urgent need for sustainable and equitable food solutions by the year 2050.
An Honest Speech About Hope, Hunger, and Childhood
In her acceptance speech for the Global Humanitarian Achievement Award, Davis spoke from the heart. She described feeling exhausted by the current state of the world but emphasized the importance of authentic expression without pretense.
You know, I’ve been drained lately. Really drained. I think it’s hard to not speak from your heart lately. I don’t think there’s any sort of performative masks left,
Davis began.
But I heard a saying that the definition of ‘Hell’ is: On your last day on Earth, when you meet the person you became with the person that you could have become. I see that with our world.
Davis recounted her original ambitions to become an actress for fame and financial security, driven by simple needs such as wanting a full refrigerator and a comfortable home. However, she came to realize acting was merely a catalyst for a broader journey.
I wanted to become an actress because I wanted to become famous because I wanted to make money and I wanted to have a refrigerator that was full of food, and a house, and a bed that wasn’t bought at the Salvation Army. But I realized that becoming an actor was just the cosmic carrot, that that was just the thing that set me on the journey,
she said.
So I go on this unbelievable journey, and who do I meet? Who becomes my hope, but Little Viola? She’s standing here now. All of her teeth were rotten, but she was great. She was smart. She was a bed wetter, but she was great. And she was always hungry. Every single minute of the day, that’s all she thought about.
Connecting With the Inner Child and the Future Self
Davis stressed that the key to hope lies in reconnecting with the innocence and honesty of one’s younger self, particularly the child before the world’s hardships leave their mark. She also mentioned the importance of considering one’s future self, encouraging empathy and care beyond material desires.
I’ll tell you where the hope is: The hope is, in my opinion, connecting to that story; the two people that you owe the most two — your 6-year-old self and your 80-year-old self. And that 6-year-old self who hasn’t been touched by the world yet will tell you exactly where you need to go. That is the hope, and I guarantee you that 6-year-old self wants way more than money and a big refrigerator and a nice house in Beverly Hills. They want you to care,
Davis said.
And I will tell you one thing, too, is Little Viola, with rotten teeth, a bed wetter, who never felt pretty … just wanted to feel worthy. That’s better than an EGOT. Imagine if you had the power within you to make people feel worthy. That’s my hope. And, by the way, it’s interesting that when I piggyback to Little Viola, she wasn’t talking about becoming an actress, she was always just telling me, ‘Tell them how we were always hungry. Get over the shame, Viola.’ So you know what I did? I listened to her. And here I am, talking and sharing my story in a room full of people who I know have empathy so I know shame can exist. That’s the hope, harness your story.
A Five-Year Journey Toward a Visionary Food System
Food 2050 depicts a hopeful forecast for our planet’s food landscape 24 years from now, framed through the experiences of ten change-makers from diverse regions around the globe. Over five years in production, the documentary highlights the importance of investing in food systems that can sustain humanity without harming the Earth. Throughout this time, The Rockefeller Foundation has pledged $220 million toward similar food-centered initiatives. Viola Davis played a pivotal role, not only narrating the film but also shaping its production as an executive producer.
Celebrating Collaboration and Community Engagement
The evening’s event, hosted by Foodtank president Danielle Nierenberg, featured multiple discussion panels with experts including Marion Nestle, Manoj Kumar, Angelo Garcia, Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, Matte Wilson, Sara Farley, and director Matthew Thompson. Renowned chef Wolfgang Puck and Niman Ranch curated a reception menu inspired by the documentary’s food themes, creating an immersive experience that connected attendees with the film’s message.
Thank you for this award. Listen, I just feel that, I’m always squealing because I’m always just amazed whenever anyone introduces me or talks about me, I always want to go, ‘Me?’ Yes, Viola, you. I can only say that because Little Viola is tugging at me right now and saying, ‘Own it,’
Davis expressed.
Hope Amidst Uncertainty Through a Regenerative Food Future
Concluding her remarks, Davis shared her emotional reaction to narrating Food 2050, revealing how the vision portrayed in the documentary contrasts with many dystopian futures often imagined for the planet.
When I narrated it, I didn’t know what to expect and I did cry a little bit on the way home. I did. Because it’s a vision for the future that’s not dystopian. It’s a vision for a nourishing, regenerative and equitable food system by 2050,
Davis stated.
You can either leave something for people or you can leave something in people, and I think this documentary is going to leave something in you that you’re not going to be able to deny.
This film’s hopeful perspective aims to inspire action and a shared responsibility toward transforming food systems worldwide, spotlighting the power of individual stories and collective efforts as crucial to shaping what lies ahead.
