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.”
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
Outstanding Limited Series, Movie or Special: Olive Kitteridge
Writing, Variety Series: The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
Outstanding Variety Sketch Series: Inside Amy Schumer
Outstanding Variety Talk Series: The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
Guest Actor, Drama: Reg E. Cathey, House Of Cards
Guest Actress, Drama: Margo Martindale, The Americans
Writing, Drama: David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, Game of Thrones
Supporting Actress, Drama: Uzo Aduba, Orange Is The New Black
Directing, Drama: David Nutter, Game Of Thrones
Supporting Actor, Drama: Peter Dinklage, Game Of Thrones
Lead Actor, Drama: Jon Hamm, Mad Men
Lead Actress, Drama: Viola Davis, How To Get Away With Murder
Outstanding Comedy: Veep
Outstanding Drama: Game Of Thrones
