Squad Goals: 2015 Emmys Featured Viola Davis, Regina King, Taraji, Mary J Blige & More

 

Actress Viola Davis made history at the 2015 Emmy Awards Sunday night. Davis took home the award for best actress in a drama for “How To Get Away With Murder”. This is the first time that an African-American has received that honor.

 

“Let me tell you something, 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”

Davis took her moment to share the struggle of being a black actress in Hollywood by quoting Harriet Tubman. She also went on to thank other actresses of color including as her fellow nominee Taraji P. Henson of ‘Empire’, ‘Scandal’ star Kerry Washington, plus actresses Gabrielle Union, Megan Good and Halle Berry, stating “Thank You For Taking Us Over That Line”

Davis wasn’t the only black actress celebrated on Sunday night. Regina King received her 1st Emmy Award for “Supporting Actress In A Limited Series or Movies” for her role as Aliyah Shadeed on ABC’s “American Crime.” The moment was heightened by  Taraji and Terrance Howard presenting her the award. Taraji was visibly excited for both Regina and Viola.

King’s speech highlighted family as her motivation.

“My amazing mother and grandmother who have taught me the power and the blessing of being a woman… This is just absolutely amazing. My son, Ian, the fact that I get to share this night with you, the best date in the house. You make being a mother my greatest accomplishment. Cheers.”

And for the second year in a row, “Orange Is the New Black” star Uzo Aduba wins an Emmy for the Netflix hit series. Aduba won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama – this is the first year the show switched to drama from comedy.

Another special moment from Sunday night’s Emmy’s broadcast on Fox, Apple Music aired a commercial for its streaming music service, starring Mary J. Blige, Taraji P. Henson and Kerry Washington directed by Oscar nominated director, Ava DuVernay.

Gabrielle Union reacted to the night on Twitter