Viola Davis: I Could Whoop Meryl Streep's Behind In A Street Fight (VIDEO)

Meryl Streep may be the favorite to win Best Actress at the Academy Awards for her turn as Margaret Thatcher, but she best not go talking smack to her top rival.

Viola Davis, star of "The Help" and Streep's longtime friend, is also nominated, and as she joked with CNN's Showbiz Tonight, she's ready to take on "The Iron Lady" on the streets.

"Friendly competition -- although, I can whoop Meryl Streep's behind in a good, old fashioned street fight," she said. "Now, as far as the Oscars, I'm not sure about that."

In all seriousness, though, Davis raves about the friend she "loves more than anyone," so, extinguish that talk about any rivalry between the two stars. Unless that statuette is up for grabs -- then it's gloves off.

WATCH:

Comments

[UWorlds1]

01:32 PM on 01/30/2012

If anyone read the book, Viola's character was very humble and meek; we cannot compare that to the other characters which were more outgoing. That's why she was so good in this role. She played the dignified, quiet maid brilliantly.

All black actresses are not interchangable. She played this part wonderfully. She was really true to the character. I have seen Viola Davis in many parts. She is not new to the scene. She's a great actress.

[Michael Steaphens]

03:02 AM on 01/28/2012

She's definitely looking hotter than Meryl Streep!

[Joseph Stalin]

12:50 PM on 01/26/2012

"you is kind... you is smart... you is impo'tant..."

[SpeakupNation]

11:56 AM on 01/26/2012

I think if Meryl Streep were acting as if she were Mike Tyson, she would win. Meryl Streep can play anyone...

[skylark006]

10:48 AM on 01/26/2012

why does it always come down to violence, even jokingly

[Lochness71]

11:57 AM on 01/26/2012

It is that reptile brain deep inside us. :0)

[datrooth007]

10:45 AM on 01/26/2012

If I were Viola Davis, I'd want to beat Meryl Streeps butt too. Viola would win if Meryl hadn't come along with the Margaret Thatcher role. Meryl is amazing. She's going to win best actress. Would be great if they say it's a tie.

[SOHOROCKS66]

07:51 AM on 01/30/2012

Although I have not seen "Iron Lady" I feel it safe to voice partial agreement with you that Viola faces stiff competition from Streep. However, having seen Viola in multi-Academy Award nominated "Doubt" opposite Streep and having marveled at Viola's performance in "The Help" I have to give her the nod for the Oscar.

[Hampton Roads]

10:05 AM on 01/26/2012

I'm sure you could as an angry black woman that you are.

[Spacey84]

10:39 AM on 01/26/2012

Angry black woman?, really thats all you can say about her because she has brown skin? You're the one who sounds angry that she is a successful black woman

[shawnepink]

10:39 AM on 01/26/2012

How about you get a sense of humor?

[sdanca4]

10:02 AM on 01/26/2012

To mature, excellent actresses that has been around a long time. And they are best friends...now that's the topping on the cake. Good Luck, Ladies. I might say that Viola may win. Meryl has plenty of Oscars and she would be excited about Viola's win.

[veritas88]

08:43 AM on 01/26/2012

I like Viola and Meryl so it will be interesting to see who wins Best Actress this year. You can't go wrong with either choice. Both great actresses.

[thinkingwomanmillstone]

08:35 AM on 01/26/2012

Read the article people. They're friends. Viola was wonderful in The Help. I've never seen Viola give a bad performance. I've only seen clips of Meryl as Maggie Thatcher and few can touch her acting ability. I live in England during part of Thatcher's tenure and Streep is phenomenal. It's hard to imagine anyone beating her.

[GoDems2012]

03:05 AM on 01/26/2012

Viola has such smooth chocolate skin....It's deep ebony like my mothers. It's all in good fun. Lighten up folks!

[SpeakupNation]

11:59 AM on 01/26/2012

Agreed. Davis is BEAUTIFUL!

[Summercat66]

11:52 PM on 01/25/2012

Everyone stop getting your panties in a uproar!!! It was just a joke!!! Viola & Meryl respect each other and are good friends. Would you be having a fit if it was Meryl saying the same thing???

[mustchange2012]

10:08 PM on 01/25/2012

People Viola is making a joke, don't be so darn serious. Geezzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[mustchange2012]

10:02 PM on 01/25/2012

Just watched The Help, Bravo Viola, you were very good! So was all the cast really, Bryce Dallas Howard was a real nasty person, she played it well. I hope someone or all win.

[ZenSufi]

08:44 PM on 01/25/2012

She coulda been ah contendah.