At the 2021 Golden Globes on Sunday (Feb. 28) evening, Andra Day walked away with the prestigious Golden Globe for actress in a drama motion picture for her portrayal of the incalculably influential jazz singer Billie Holiday in The United States vs. Billie Holiday.
Day, a singer in her own right whose 2015 single "Rise Up" is a contemporary socio-political anthem, was happily shaken and emotional during her acceptance speech. Surrounded by friends, Day saluted "the amazing, transformative, dynamic Billie Holiday [who] transformed me with this role and her presence and her spirit."
Forty-eight years ago, another singer – Diana Ross – was nominated for a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in a feature film, Lady Sings the Blues, but did not win the award.
The win at the Globes bodes well for Day's Oscar chances.
