Viola Davis Becomes First Black Actress to Win the Emmy for Lead Actress in a Drama

History was made Sunday night at the 67th Emmy Awards when Viola Davis became the first black woman to win in the Lead Actress in a Drama category. Davis won for her role on ABC's hit drama How to Get Away With Murder.

Viola Davis wins Emmy for Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Davis was one of three black women to win an Emmy this year. The last time that happened was 1991. Regina King won the Emmy for Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or a Movie for her role in ABC's American Crime, and Uzo Aduba won the Emmy for Supporting Actress in a Drama for her role as Crazy Eyes in the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black.

In her acceptance speech Davis quoted Harriet Tubman and also thanked series creator Shonda Rhimes along with other black actresses currently starring on television including Halle Berry, Nichole Beharie, Meagan Good, Gabrielle Union, Kerry Washington, and Taraji P. Henson.

During her speech Davis noted: "The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity. You can't win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there."

Disney-owned ABC won the most Emmy Awards for a television network. ABC's comedy hit Modern Family lost to HBO's Veep for Outstanding Comedy Series.

Did you watch the Emmy Awards on Sunday night? Let us know what you thought about the winners in the comments.

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