Viola Davis has some thoughts about the mixed to negative reviews she’s received for portraying Michelle Obama on Showtime’s new series, The First Lady. In an interview with BBC News, the Oscar winner skewered those who disliked her performance. “Critics absolutely serve no purpose,” she said. “And I’m not saying that to be nasty either.”

“They always feel like they’re telling you something that you don’t know,” Davis continued. “Somehow that you’re living a life that you’re surrounded by people who lie to you and ‘I’m going to be the person that leans in and tells you the truth.’ So it gives them an opportunity to be cruel to you. But ultimately I feel like it is my job as a leader to make bold choices. Win or fail it is my duty to do that.”

Davis went viral after the show premiered, provoking a series of negative tweets about her portrayal of Obama—many of which centered on her frequently pursed lips and “distracting” facial expressions. Davis told BBC News that playing someone as familiar and popular as Michelle Obama was “almost impossible,” and defended her acting choices. “Either you’re doing too much or not enough.”

Davis remains one of the most critically acclaimed actors of her generation. She’s won an Academy Award and a Tony Award for playing Rose in August Wilson’s Fences, another Tony for King Hedley II, and an Emmy for How to Get Away With Murder. Still, Davis maintains that not every project of hers is designed to garner acclaim or accolades. “How do you move on from the hurt, from failure?” asked Davis in the BBC interview. “But you have to. Not everything is going to be an awards-worthy performance.”

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