Taraji P. Henson On ‘The Color Purple’ Golden Globes Snub: “That’s Not What Drives Me”

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“I have a different idea about awards. The people are my awards.”

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Although this year’s Golden Globe Awards saw The Color Purple‘s Fantasia Barrino and Danielle Brooks deservingly nominated for their stellar performances, neither nominee scored an award.

Barrino, who plays an older “Celie” was up for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture and Brooks (Sophia) was nominated for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role In Any Motion Picture. In result, the perceived snubs left supporters of the film with much disdain for the distinguished award show.

Taraji P. Henson, who plays Shug Avery in the musical adaptation of the 1985 film, recently voiced her sentiments on the slight in an exclusive interview with VIBE.

THE COLOR PURPLE, Taraji P. Henson, 2023.

Everett Collection

“I have a different idea about awards. The people are my awards,” she gracefully admitted. “The reactions and the lives that are changed through my gift, my talent, whatever story that I touched or told — that’s my award. Trophies … yes, we want to lift each other up, and I’m honored and I’m always grateful when I’m recognized by my peers, but that’s not what drives me.”

She continued, “I didn’t come to Hollywood to chase after awards, I came to Hollywood to chase after people’s hearts and change people’s minds and perceptions about groups of people that look like me. That’s what’s more important to me than anything.”

Already dubbed as a “guide” and “voice box” on set by Brooks during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Henson also shared with VIBE that Fantasia has also deemed her their “live Oscar.”

Danielle Brooks and Taraji P. Henson pose in the press room at the 2024 Palm Springs International Film Festival Film Awards held at the Palm Springs Convention Center on January 4, 2024 in Palm Springs, California.

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images

“That right there means more to me than any man-made trophy,” she added. “This is no disrespect to the Academy. I love the Academy. I’m a part of the Academy. I vote, I participate, and that’s why I can cheer people on. Because honestly, I don’t even understand how you can judge art, but it’s a part of the industry and I’m a part of the industry.”

Since the onset of press runs for the Blitz Bazawule-directed film, the 53-year-old beloved actress has been candid about her experiences filming The Color Purple, and prior. Her views on pay equity for Black actresses and receiving the same respect and perks on set as other productions have garnered her a ton of support and commentary from fellow Hollywood stars.

Speaking to the support felt, Henson expressed, “I feel amazing. I feel like when you have the support, you’re doing something right, and that’s the fuel to keep me going. And it’s not even just my peers, it’s strangers that I don’t even know, that may recognize me in the store and they’re like, ‘I heard what you said. Thank you. Thank you for your advocacy for mental health.’”

More recently, TV mogul Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson also expressed interest in working with the Empire star amid her Hollywood sentiments.

“Someone called me today thinking I was bullsh!ting about working with @tarajiphenson till I told them what I made STARZ pay @therealmaryjblige to be on GHOST,” the 48-year-old captioned an IG post on Wednesday (Jan. 10). “I ain’t out here fvcking around.”

In response to his gesture, Henson declined to comment. “I’m viral enough right now,” she jokingly said.

The award-winning actress can currently be seen giving an outstanding performance as Shug Avery in The Color Purple — playing in theaters now.

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