Viola Davis' sister proud of Oscar nod

CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (WPRI) - Central Falls native and now Oscar nominee Viola Davis started her career right here in Rhode Island and no one is happier about her best actress nominations more than her sister.

Who would have thought that the little girl from Central Falls High School would someday be nominated for an Academy Award for the box office hit "The Help?"

Her biggest fan her sister Deloris knew it all along.

"My sister has been into acting since she was five years old. She got her start in Jenks Park right up the street. I knew she would be a Hollywood actress by the time she was eight or nine years old," said Deloris Grant.

The students at Central Falls High School are looking to their hero on Oscar night.

"Oh, you know, she is the biggest inspiration for our students especially the students that I have in my drama class because they are up on the stage where Viola Davis stood, where Viola Davis acted, where she is just the icon in the city right now."

That stage is the one that would bring the Central Falls actress right to Hollywood.

"My students are thrilled they are basking in the sunlight of Viola as well and they enjoy all the publicity that comes with it."

On the morning the nominations were announced Viola's family were the first to get the call.

“Oh yes, I told her 'Viola as soon as you find out I want you to call me.' And I guess she was at the hotel. I guess they set her up in a hotel. She said 'I have to be up at four in the morning to put on make up and she said when I find out I will tell you immediately' and of course she always calls my mom first. Then as soon as people found out, I started getting text messages and phone calls and we were all jumping up and down. I was in my theater class because I teach theater and we were going wild."

Viola's family is loving the attention that comes with the actress' success.

"My family is really enjoying all of the fame that comes with my sisters fame. We're basking in the like you know Viola."

Viola is taking her family to the star studded night.

"I'm going to be honest with you it's my second time walking the red carpet, and I got to tell you the first time I felt like I was in a dream."

Everyone in Rhode Island and Central Falls will have their fingers crossed that Viola will bring home the Oscar.

"Central Falls loves Viola Davis. Viola has never forgotten were she came from, where her roots are and her roots are in this city."

The Academy Awards will be hosted by Billy Crystal on Sunday night at 7 p.m.