Why did Naomie Harris say no to her Oscar-nominated role?

English actor Naomie Harris (right), who has bagged an Oscar nomination in the best Supporting Actress Category for Moonlight, has revealed that she was reluctant to play a crack addict in the Barry Jenkins-directed drama. The 40-year-old who plays a crack addict, Paula, in the movie, initially turned down the role as she didn’t want to perpetuate a negative stereotype about black women. “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. “She was part of a group of strong, powerful women, as well. I 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 actor is now proud to have portrayed the role, which has alongside Harris bagged seven nominations at this year’s Academy Awards. “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,” she added.