Viola Davis‘ history-making win at this year’s Emmy awards left Hollywood in awe on Sunday night.
The “How to Get Away With Murder” star became the first black woman to ever win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series when she beat out Taraji P. Henson, Claire Danes, Tatiana Maslany, Elisabeth Moss and Robin Wright for the award.
Several of Davis’ co-stars took to Twitter to congratulate the actress on her big win, including Jack Falahee, Aja Naomi King, Matt McGorry and Tom Verica.
“I love listening to her speak #ViolaDavis,” wrote “How to Get Away With Murder” executive producer Shonda Rhimes on Twitter while the actress was on stage accepting her award.
“You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there,” Davis said during her acceptance speech. “Here is to all the writers, Peter Nowalk, Shonda Rhimes … People who have redefined what it means to be beautiful, sexy, to be a leading woman, to be black. And to all the Taraji P. Hensons and Kerry Washingtons … to Gabriel Union, thank you for taking us over that line.”
AMEN!!!! Best speech of the night. #Emmys https://t.co/S8NYHTi2AE
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) September 21, 2015
I love listening to her speak. #ViolaDavis — shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) September 21, 2015
Simply Viola. Outstanding. Grace and elegance personified. Congrats V!! @violadavis
— Tom Verica (@tomverica) September 21, 2015
Yes yes yes yes @violadavis !!! So well deserved. So happy. So proud. — Jack Falahee (@RestingPlatypus) September 21, 2015
My heart is so full and I am so grateful … Here’s to the First Black Lead Actress Winner!!! pic.twitter.com/2A6ofsteLL
— Aja Naomi King (@ajanaomi_king) September 21, 2015
On a lighter note, CONGRATULATIONS to the magical @violadavis on her well deserved Emmy win! So much love in my heart right now. — Katie Findlay (@katedangerfield) September 21, 2015
I can’t lie, I might’ve picked this prop as a way to Secret tonight. #Floored #ViolaForPresident pic.twitter.com/0SBQ5JyjHz
— Pete Nowalk (@petenowalk) 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
.@ViolaDavis, you’re spectacular. #Emmys
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) September 21, 2015
Congratulations to the gorgeous BRILLIANT @emmy winner @violadavis, who continues to stun and break new ground! YAY! pic.twitter.com/uKIbz31iFG — Aisha Tyler (@aishatyler) September 21, 2015
“You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there.” Viola Davis is a brilliant person, craftswoman, and actor of conscience.
— Martha Plimpton (@MarthaPlimpton) September 21, 2015
Viola Davis and @shondarhimes @petenowalk for creating that role! — Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) September 21, 2015
Thank you @violadavis for the tears that just ran all down my smoky eye. #Emmys
— Samira Wiley (@samirawiley) September 21, 2015
Viola Davis. You are my hero. On and off camera. — Danielle Brooks (@thedanieb) September 21, 2015
VIOLLAAAAA!!!! Oh my god, I’m so happy and what an INCREDIBLE speech #htgawm #EMMYs
— Matt McGorry (@MattMcGorry) September 21, 2015
@violadavis CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Beautiful work, beautiful speech!!!! — Julianne Moore (@_juliannemoore) September 21, 2015
Thank you @violadavis for being all that you are…I appreciate you so much???? #makinghistory #WOC pic.twitter.com/RVygboYQh7
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) September 21, 2015
Don’t miss the best moments from the 2015 Emmy Awards — read TheWrap’s complete coverage here.
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