What role can’t Naomie Harris nail?
The British actress recently revealed what she considers to have been her hardest role yet: Her portrayal of a drug addict in the 2016 American coming-of-age drama “Moonlight.”
Naomie Harris starred as drug addicted mother Paula in the critically acclaimed film “Moonlight” (Credit: A24 / Plan B Entertainment)
After the movie’s premiere, Naomie publicly stated that her role in “Moonlight” was one of the most challenging roles she’d ever undertaken, but she considers it to be the best and the most unique.
It was also, clearly, rewarding — Naomie received the Breakout Performance Award at the 20th Annual Hollywood Film Awards for her performance.
So, how did Naomie get the role? And how did she get her start as an actress?
Who Is Naomie Harris?
Naomie’s parents took her to theater school as a child after she expressed an interest in acting.
She started her television career at the age of 9 and began accepting bigger and bigger roles. She’s been featured in “28 Days Later,” and “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.” She’s also played roles in the James Bond universe and in several “Pirates of the Caribbean” films.
What was Naomie Harris’s filming schedule like?
Naomie said that the intense role came with an intense work schedule.
The London-born actress was still busy promoting her latest James Bond film at the time, so she would fly between James Bond press tours in Mexico and “Moonlight” filming in Miami.
Naomie Harris and “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins attend the 2017 National Board of Review Gala held January 4 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City (Credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock)
In addition to the challenging filming schedule, Naomie was also faced with a challenging role in the Barry Jenkins-directed film.
Naomie said that some of her scenes as Paula were traumatizing and intimidating, but she finished filming regardless.
Naomie Harris plays a crack addict who turns to prostitution due to her worsening addiction in the film “Moonlight” (Credit: A24 / Plan B Entertainment)
Why Naomie Harris Was Reluctant to Accept the Part
When Naomie was first approached about taking the role of drug-addicted Paula, she was incredibly hesitant.
Naomie had vowed to only take roles that would challenge the stereotype of Black women.
“I set out my career thinking that there were enough stereotypes about Black women, so I wanted to make a difference in this arena,” Harris told IndieWire. “The only area where I have power is in the roles I choose, so I want to portray progressive images of women.”
Naomie Harris wears a Brandon Maxwell jumpsuit that shows off her toned chest and arms (Credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock)
Naomie said she was committed to playing progressive roles that would portray Black women in a favorable light, and once drew the line at ever playing a crack addict.
“I drew the line at crack addiction,” Naomie said to IndieWire. “I’m not going to play a crack addict.”
However, “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins eventually convinced her to accept the role.
Naomie Harris was hesitant to take the role of a crack addict in the 2016 American coming-of-age drama film “Moonlight” (Credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock)
After agreeing to work on Barry’s film, she put in hours of research to make sure she could perfectly execute her role in the film.
“Thanks to YouTube, I spent over a month researching how crack addicts behave by watching videos,” Naomie said.
“Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins, who also co-wrote the LGBT-themed independent drama, convinced Naomie Harris to accept the part of Paula (Credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock)
What Awards Did Naomie Harris Receive For Her Role In ‘Moonlight’?
All of Naomie’s hard work on “Moonlight” was heavily rewarded.
“Moonlight” itself won an Academy Award for “Best Motion Picture of the Year.”
While Naomie herself didn’t win any official titles from the major awarding associations, she did take home several nominations for her role as Paula.
Some of these nominations include “Best Supporting Actress” at the Academy Awards, “Best Actress in a Supporting Role” at the BAFTAs, “Best Supporting Actress — Motion Picture” at the Golden Globes and both “Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture” and “Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role” at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
The actress received several more nominations — and wins — from lesser-known award associations, such as the Black Reel Awards, the British Independent Film Awards, the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, the Gotham Independent Film Awards, the Independent Spirit Awards and the National Board of Review.
Ashton Sanders and Naomie Harris star in the Academy Award-winning film “Moonlight” (Credit: A24 / Plan B Entertainment)
What Else Has Naomie Harris Been Doing?
In January 2014, Naomie looked amazing on the red carpet of the 2014 Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala.
Naomie Harris wears her hair down during the 25th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival awards gala at Palm Springs Convention Center on January 4, 2014, in Palm Springs, California (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
She wore an Alexander McQueen gown to the London premiere, an Oscar de la Renta dress at the AFI Fest, and a Burberry Prorsum dress at the New York premiere.
The then 37-year-old actress was joined on the red carpet by Bono and co-star Idris Elba, but Naomie stole the spotlight in a sheer white Naeem Khan gown.
The floor-length dress had a high neckline and elbow-length sleeves and is from the designer’s Spring 2014 collection. It featured all-over floral-and-leaf patterned embroidery.
Idris Alba and Naomie Harris pose for photos at the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
She accessorized with a Rauwolf oval stone gemstone clutch, David Morris jewelry, and strappy Jimmy Choo “Maury” sandals.
Naomie Harris wears a Naeem Khan dress as she stands between Bono and Idris Elba (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
Unfortunately, Naomie’s sandals are no longer available online, but you can browse more recent Jimmy Choo arrivals at Farfetch and Mytheresa.
Here’s a closer look at the velvet version of Naomie’s heels:
Jimmy Choo “Maury” Velvet-and-Leather Sandals, $995
Elizabeth Banks wore the same style to the Los Angeles premiere of “Hunger Games Catching Fire,” so you know these shoes are celeb-approved!