Vanity Fair Unveils its “Hollywood Issue” Cover with Viola Davis, Lupita Nyong’o and Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Vanity Fair has unveiled the roster of actresses that were selected to pose for its annual Hollywood issue and for the most part, the esteemed gathering features a not so surprising list of recipients.
Obviously the goal was to project the solidarity between the old timers and those on the rise as well as the talented mainstays. There are also a handful of this year’s Oscar nominees thrown in the mix.

Icons like Jane Fonda, Helen Mirren, Charlotte Rampling, and Diane Keaton stoically solidify the fact that they’ve only gotten better with age. Actresses Jennifer Lawrence and Cate Blanchett prove their impeccable worth and remarkable grip on an industry that only doles out the honor of being a “sought-after” actress to a very lucky few.
Newcomers and first time Oscar-nominees Brie Larson and Alicia Vikander join Saoirse Ronan who has been nominated once before for her role in Atonement as they navigate the awards circuit and prepare for what can be described as their long-awaited baptism. After this rite of passage – it’s very likely that they will turn this ritual into a habit.
In the spirit of keeping things relatively fair when it comes to the now overplayed and over-wrought subject of diversity – actresses of color were also included – about three of them to be exact.
Viola Davis who recently gave another memorable acceptance speech after garnering best female performer in a TV series at the SAG Awards this past Saturday, is showcased on the cover as well as Oscar-winner and The Force Awakens actress Lupita Nyong’o. British actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw also makes her high-profile introduction which has been long overdue but is indicative of what being a talented actress of color entails. Unfortunately there isn’t the hope of being an undiscovered ingenue who is propelled to the heights of stardom literally overnight. That level of treatment is reserved for white actresses.
Still it is a fine collection of women who have managed to put their formidable beauty, power and ambition to the betterment of their enviable careers.
In addition to the stunning portraits courtesy of celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz, each of the actresses are assigned a written tribute that highlights their career trajectories.
If you’re already fascinated and eager to dive in and happen to live in New York or Los Angeles – you’ll have have full access on Thursday, February 4 when the new issue hits newsstands or you can simply tune into your mobile device.
It will be nationally available on Monday, February 8.