The 67th primetime Emmy awards which took place Sunday night turned out to be a groundbreaking one in many ways.
Viola Davis became the first black woman to win the Emmy award for ‘Outstanding Actress In A Drama Series’. The 50 year old stars in ABC’s ‘How To Get Away With Murder’.
In an emotional speech, Davis referenced the long road actresses of colour have taken to get to the milestone. She thanked other contemporaries like Kerry Washington and Taraji P.Henson who had helped pave the way.
“The only thing that separates women of colour from anyone else is opportunity,” Davis said.
“You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there.”
She also evoked the spirit of African-American freedom fighter Harriet Tubman in her speech.
This was Davis’ first ever Emmy nomination, and she won.
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Claire Danes, “Homeland”
Viola Davis, “How to Get Away With Murder” *WINNER
Taraji P. Henson, “Empire”
Tatiana Maslany, “Orphan Black”
Elisabeth Moss, “Mad Men”
Robin Wright, “House of Cards”
Watch her stirring speech below…
Very Inspiring… Bless You