Viola Davis says the late Chadwick Boseman was 'authenticity on steroids.' The star of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom spoke about her co-star on the red carpet of the 93rd Academy Awards, telling E! News' Giuliana Rancic 'it feels right' to see the outpouring of love for Boseman, who passed away last August after a secret battle against cancer. Viola, who dazzled in a white cut-out Alexander McQueen number, said the star was the real deal, calling Chadwick a true 'artist' who she was honored to work with. The real deal: Viola Davis called the late Chadwick Boseman 'authenticity on steroids' while talking about him ahead of the 2021 Academy Awards on Sunday