Viola Davis Makes History At The 2015 Emmy Awards

Viola received huge applause when she gave an emotional speech as she became the first African American to win the Emmy for Lead Actress in a Drama.

Quoting Harriet Tubman, she said: “In my mind, I see a line. And 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 nohow. I can’t seem to get over that line.”

“And let me tell you something, the only thing that separates women of colour from anyone else is opportunity.”

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The How To Get Away With Murder star added: “You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there. So here’s to all the writers, the awesome people… who have redefined what it means to be beautiful, to be sexy, to be a leading woman, to be black.”

The African-American actress and producer took to the red carpet in a white gown by Carmen Marc Valvo.

2015 Emmy Awards Winners

Supporting Actress, Comedy: Allison Janney, Mom

Supporting Actor, Comedy: Tony Hale, Veep

Guest Actor, Comedy: Bradley Whitford, Transparent

Guest Actress, Comedy: Joan Cusack, Shameless

Director, Comedy: Jill Soloway, Transparent

Lead Actor, Comedy: Jeffrey Tambor, Transparent

Lead Actress, Comedy: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep

Supporting Actor, Limited Series, Movie or Special: Bill Murray, Olive Kitteridge

Lead Actress, Limited Series, Movie or Special: Frances McDormand, Olive Kitteridge

Lead Actor, Limited Series, Movie or Special: Richard Jenkins, Olive Kitteridge