Viola Davis makes television history after big 'Best Drama Actress' win at the 2015 Emmys
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The 2015 Emmys was made extra special as "How to Get Away with Murder" lead actress Viola Davis wins the "Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series" award. Davis will go down in history as the first African-American woman to win the said award.
Overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support shown to me over the past 24 hours. I'm so grateful. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/RnT6NOdFWC
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) September 22, 2015
E! News Online reports that in her emotional speech, the 50-year-old actress quoted Harriet Tubman before continuing to state, "The only thing that chances women of color from anyone else is opportunity. You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there."
Davis then proceeded to recognize executive producer Shonda Rhimes, fellow nominee Taraji P. Henson, peers Kerry Washington, Halle Berry and Gabrielle union, stating that these are the "people who have redefined what it means to be beautiful, to be sexy, to be a leading woman, to be black."
Davis beat out Claire Danes of "Homeland", Tatiana Maslany of "Orphan Black", Elisabeth Moss of "Mad Men" and Robin Wright of "House of Cards". Together with Davis, Henson of "Empire" made history as it was a first for the Emmys to have two black women be nominated for the same category. Washington of "Scandal" was the last African-American woman who got the best actress nomination in 2013.
.@TherealTaraji hugs @ViolaDavis at #Emmys! Catch all memorable moments on #MyEmmysRemix: https://t.co/LC9X9BRGjB https://t.co/y95nmzwmBM — FOX (@FOXTV) September 21, 2015
The Washington Post writes that 2015 has indeed been #BlackGirlMagic as African-American women continue to dominate their chosen career fields. From Beyonce gracing the cover of Vogue this month, to Serena Williams dominating the US Open even though she lost, Davis' Emmy win has solidified the fact that black women are here to stay and should be recognized as a critical necessity, not just a novelty.
Of course, fellow celebrities took to Twitter and other social media platforms their congratulations to the outstanding actress, making the win even more historical with over 14 million interactions, posts, retweets and like, according to Mashable.
Wow , WOW! Another proud to spell my name W.O.M.A.N. Moment. Thank you @violadavis #EmmyWinner
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) September 21, 2015
.@ViolaDavis, you're spectacular. #Emmys — Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) September 21, 2015
Watching @violadavis deservedly win last night made me so happy- it restored my faith in our industry. What a speech! Congratulations Viola!
— Matt Bomer (@MattBomer) September 21, 2015
However, like most epic moments, the celebration will not be complete without a basher. People Magazine writes that "General Hospital" actress Nancy Lee Grahn has slammed Davis for her Emmys win, tweeting that she hoped the actress just asked Shonda Rhimes to write her speech.
I wish I loved #ViolaDavis Speech, but I thought she should have let @shondarhimes write it. #Emmys — Nancy Lee Grahn (@NancyLeeGrahn) September 21, 2015
Grahn got flak from netizens about her thoughtless rant, but she reportedly has apologized to Davis and to anyone she has offended to somehow contain the backlash.
I apologize 2 anyone who I offended. I'm women advocate since I became one. After reading responses, I hear u and my tweet was badly phrased
— Nancy Lee Grahn (@NancyLeeGrahn) September 21, 2015
