Viola Davis made history during yesterday’s 67th Emmy Awards, as the first black woman to take home the title of Outstanding Lead Actress in a drama series. But she didn’t just take home the award for her role in How to Get Away With Murder, she delivered a tear-jerking, empowering speech that lifted up her community, which has been kept out of leading roles for too long.
“The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else, is opportunity. You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there.”–Viola Davis
Boom. Chills.
With a media culture that perpetuates a white beauty ideal, Davis’ win and speech mark an extraordinary moment in the Television Academy’s history. It even has BuzzFeed nominating Davis for President.
If the hug between Davis and Taraji Henson, plus the look on Kerry Washington’s face doesn’t make you tear up, then I’m not sure you have a soul.
GIF via Giphy.
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