Viola Davis has heard enough about the negativity from critics surrounding her portrayal of Michelle Obama in the new drama show 'The First Lady.'

The 56-year-old Oscar-winning actress recently interviewed with BBC, discussing why people were joking and making comments about her in the Showtime series. She shared that it's

"...incredibly hurtful when people say negative things about your work. How do you move on from the hurt, from failure? But you have to. Not everything is going to be an awards-worthy performance," Davis said.

Davis calls criticism an "occupational hazard," sharing that she'll never be able to shy away from it.

Viola added,

"Critics absolutely serve no purpose. And, I'm not saying that to be nasty either.They always feel like they're telling you something that you don't know. 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," Davis said.

Stream 'The First Lady' on Showtime now.