Photo by Buckner/Variety/REX Shutterstock (5120845fr)
Viola Davis (‘How To Get Away With Murder’ – Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series)
67th Primetime Emmy Awards, Show, Los Angeles, America – 20 Sep 2015
Sunday night, American actress Viola Davis (pictured) made history as the first Black woman to win an Emmy for “Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series” for her role as “Annalise Keating” in “How To Get Away with Murder.” A day later, while many continue to celebrate her win, it is Davis’ acceptance speech that has taken the crown.
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Up against actresses Taraji P. Henson for “Empire,” Robin Wright for “House of Cards,” Tatiana Maslany for “Orphan Black,” Elizabeth Moss for “Mad Men,” and Claire Danes for “Homeland,” Davis came out on top, hugging fellow Black actress Henson before she made her way to the stage.
Once the celebratory claps died down, Davis quoted abolitionist and humanitarian Harriet
Harriet Tubman by Squyer, NPG, c1885
Tubman (pictured) who will forever be remembered for her courageous excursions in to America’s Black Belt region at least 13 times to rescue both family and friends from the clutches and oppression of slavery.
Using her platform to remember this icon and underscore the dearth of roles for African-American women, Davis said, “In my dreams, I see a line. Over that line, I see green fields and lovely flowers and beautiful white women with their arms stretched out to me over that line, but I can’t seem to get there no how, I can’t seem to get over that line.
“The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity,” Davis continued, calling out to Henson and actress Kerry Washington, who were tearing up in the audience. “You cannot win an Emmy for roles that simply are not there.”
Watch Viola Davis’ acceptance speech here:
Her speech set Black Hollywood and other top luminaries on fire, with Oprah, Valerie Jarrett, Octavia Spencer, Gabrielle Union, Shonda Rhimes, and more tweeting about her remarks:
VIOLA omg HISTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so excited for you baby!!!!
— octavia spencer (@octaviaspencer) September 21, 2015
that speech is killing me — octavia spencer (@octaviaspencer) September 21, 2015
that speech is killing me
— octavia spencer (@octaviaspencer) September 21, 2015
“The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity.” Congrats @violadavis on a historic victory.
— Valerie Jarrett (@vj44) September 21, 2015
What a time to be alive. #Emmys2015 #BlackGirlMagic pic.twitter.com/U5l5KB9xX6 — sabby. (@sabrinadunn) September 21, 2015
OMG!!! I’m floored… and proud and crying… VIOLA VIOLA VIOLA!!! Thank you for letting us share your shine!!! Man… tears
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) September 21, 2015
Viola!!!!!! And that hug from @TherealTaraji … crying!!!!! I’m sooooo of freaking proud, I’m shaking!!!!! @violadavis — Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) September 21, 2015
Wow , WOW! Another proud to spell my name W.O.M.A.N. Moment. Thank you @violadavis #EmmyWinner
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) September 21, 2015
.@shondarhimes Couldn’t have happened without you dear Shonda. Thanks for kicking that door open wide enough for @violadavis to soar thru. — Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) September 21, 2015
I love listening to her speak. #ViolaDavis
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) September 21, 2015
I love listening to her speak. #ViolaDavis — shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) September 21, 2015
Speechless.
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) September 21, 2015
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