Andra Day First Black Woman To Win Golden Globes Best Actress Award In 35 Years

Andra Day won the Best Actress award in a Motion Picture -- Drama category on Sunday at the Golden Globes 2021. Day couldn't hold back tears as made history, becoming the first Black actress to win the Golden Globes in 35 years.

The actress won the trophy for her role in "The United States Vs. Billie Holiday," and became the second Black actress to take the Golden Globes home after Whoopi Goldberg in 1986.

The 36-year-old was visibly overwhelmed when her name was announced at the 78th annual awards ceremony over other nominees, including Carey Mulligan for “Promising Young Woman,” Frances McDormand for “Nomadland,” Vanessa Kirby for “Pieces of a Woman,” and Viola Davis for “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”

"To all the incredible nominees. I'm in the presence of giants... You inspire me so much. To the amazing, transformative, dynamic Billie Holiday," Day said during her acceptance speech. "She transformed me with this role, with her presence, with her spirit. Thanks to everybody who was a part of this incredible project."

The Hulu biopic marked Day's first acting performance in which she portrayed legendary American jazz singer, Billie Holiday. The actress had completely transformed herself mentally and physically for this role. In an interview with Variety, Day revealed she lost 39 pounds and started consuming alcohol to get into the character.

"I would talk like her and I don't drink or smoke, but I started smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol. Not that I recommend people do this; I just was desperate because this is my first role," she noted. "I just asked God to give me all of the pain and trauma. I asked him to give me her pain and give me her trauma."

Day also cut her hair, which she was growing out for 12 years, People magazine reported. She admitted chopping her hair was worth it, and she was glad to do it.

Besides the Best Actress in a Drama, Day was also nominated for her collaboration with Raphael Saadiq in the Best Original Song that featured in "Tigress & Tweed" film. However, "The Life Ahead" from “Io sì (Seen)" turned out to be the winner.