"One of the greatest honors": Actor Aunjanue Ellis on portraying Oracene Price in King Richard

Ahead of next month's 94th Academy Awards, Aunjanue Ellis who portrays Oracene Price, the mother of tennis greats Serena and Venus Williams sat down along with King Richard's director Reinaldo Marcus Green and screenwriter Zach Baylin. The conversation led by Variety's Angelique Jackson was emotional and as genuine as interviews come.

Ellis is nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film, but admitted before taking on the part and doing research, she quickly realized she didn't know much about Price.

"I only knew of her from being in the stands and having these dope shades on every time. We see her, but I didn’t know her,” Ellis explained in the conversation facilitated by Variety.

Price was weary of watching the film when it was released last November, but when it hit screens her phone was buzzing with messages of how accurately represented she was. "That was you," Price's sister called to tell her right after seeing it. It was then, Price decided to see "King Richard" herself and she was overjoyed with the finished product—giving Ellis the most important stamp of approval.

Not only did Ellis have very little research material to work with on Price, but she only spoke to her once over the phone. This didn't seem to matter as the veteran actor made Oracene come to life in the most beautifully-authentic way. She told Variety the opportunity to step into Oracene's shoes was “one of the greatest honors I’ve ever had as an actor." Ellis' performance is aligned with just how seriously she took the role and Price isn't the only one giving her glowing reviews—numerous critics groups and the Academy membership are also on the same page.

During the conversation, Price touched on her complete trust in Ellis, Green and Baylin and the last thing she wanted was a "Cracker Jack" version of her family's story. She didn't want lies to be told, and only wished to see the real story unfold. The "kitchen" scene certainly grants Price's desires by giving an emotionally raw look into her marriage struggles with Richard Williams.

“I thought it represented me because the things that she said, it may not have been the exact words, but it represented who I am,” Price said. “I’m quiet in the background, but I don’t play; I don’t mess. [Laughs] Don’t just think I’m a pushover.

"I don’t like confrontation, but that doesn’t mean I’m afraid of it. And I try to avoid it. I try to be peaceful. And that’s about it, then I just go on with my life, forgive and forget.”

Ellis believes the scene showcases a woman of passion, conviction and faith, but also so much more than this. As Ellis mentioned earlier in the interview, she didn't know much about Price and therefore didn't realize the reason why she loved Serena and Venus so much was because of their mother. Getting a little choked up, Ellis said, “It’s not just their tennis; It’s because you put those beads in their hair, and the reason why you put those beads in their hair. When I read Zach’s script, that was my favorite scene in the whole movie. Knowing the history behind that, and that you did that, I was like, ‘Yes.’”

Putting the iconic beads into the girls' swinging braids was Ellis' favorite scene and she performed it with the utmost respect and seriousness, along with the entire film. With undoubtedly more Serena and Venus films to come, Ellis believes this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to shine a spotlight on their mother—a paramount figure who made their dreams possible.

“There are going to be a whole lot of other Venus and Serena films before all of us are dead and gone, and people will still be telling stories about Venus and Serena, but how many times are we going to get the chance to give Ms. Oracene her flowers? How many times are we gonna be able to do that, and for her to see it for it for herself?," she said.

The film all together garnished six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress, Best Film Editing, Best Original Song and last but certainly not least, a Best Actor nomination for Will Smith.

The 94th edition of the Oscars is slated for March 27.