Naomie Harris didn’t want to play crack addict in Moonlight

“I didn’t want to play a crack addict. I feel that there are enough negative portrayals of women in general and black women in particular. I grew up with this really strong mother – really intelligent, powerful, independent, and I’ve always admired her,” Harris told The Daily Telegraph in an interview.

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“She was part of a group of strong, powerful women, as well. I very rarely saw those women represented on screen. When I started my career, I set out to represent them. So I initially said no to the role (of Paula),” she added.

However, the actress is now proud to have portrayed the character of Paula in the film, which has alongside Harris bagged seven nominations at this year’s Academy Awards.

Also read: Oscar-nominated film Moonlight gets February release date in India

“The more layers I have to hide under as a character, the happier I am. So with Paula in Moonlight, despite the tortuous journey to get to her, once I found her was incredibly comfortable on set. Because she is so far removed. She is like the polar opposite to me.

“It was wonderful to jump into her skin because there was so little Naomie left and that’s where I’m happiest.”