Speaking backstage at the 25th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, Mahershala Ali gave thanks Sunday evening for the chance to portray master jazz pianist Don Shirley in “Green Book,” a role that earned him the award for best supporting actor.
Shirley toured the segregated Deep South in the 1960s and hired a white driver to help him. The driver, Tony “Lip” Vallelonga, is played by Viggo Mortensen.
“Having a white man opening your door and carrying your bags” was unheard of at the time, Ali noted. “For (Shirley) to be as talented and intelligent as he was, the dignity which he carried himself with … there are so many elements of that character … that was the most present that I have ever been.”
Some questions have been raised about the historical accuracy of the film. Ali encouraged anyone with questions to listen to what Shirley has to say on the subject.
“I think some of the things that have been questioned can be answered by just listening to Dr. Shirley,” the actor said. “I feel like my job is always the same, I have to assume that whether it’s fiction or non-fiction that it’s true … (and be sure) my work is as deep as possible.”
The win was Ali’s third SAG Award. Two years ago, he won for his supporting role in “Moonlight” — an experience he called “profound” and “life-altering” — as well as an ensemble win for “Hidden Figures.”
“Being back here, it feels amazing,” Ali said. “It’s not something that I can or would ever get used to.”
Asked about who he would like to see make more films, the actor said, “people who have a more difficult time getting within the tribe” and have been passed over to some degree.
Ali said he would like to see a “diverse array of filmmakers” have a chance to tell their stories, giving a shout out to writer-director Boots Riley.
“That guy’s brilliant … you want to continue to see voices like that,” Ali said.