Viola Davis's Emmy Speech: Namechecked Celebs React
Viola Davis’s stirring acceptance speech following her history-making win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series was one of the best moments of the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards. And even as her speech brought tears to the eyes of the audience inside the Microsoft Theater, it launched a ripple that spread outward through Twitter. The actress’s numerous friends and colleagues Tweeted out their congratulations and awe at her triumph, starting with two of her How to Get Away With Murder co-stars, Matt McGorry and Aja Naomi King.
VIOLLAAAAA!!!! Oh my god, I’m so happy and what an INCREDIBLE speech #htgawm #EMMYs
— Matt McGorry (@MattMcGorry) 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
In her speech, Davis mentioned the African-American actresses — including Kerry Washington, Nicole Beharie, Meagan Good, and Gabrielle Union — working hard to improve the representation of minority women onscreen. Those namechecked performers were quick to thank their idol on Twitter.
This moment ..I couldn’t even speak .. It took my breath away .. What a moment. I grew up in this… https://t.co/L3P8IlKueu
— Meagan Good (@MeaganGood) September 21, 2015
She didn’t have to include us in her history making moment. But #shedidit #ViolaDavis #sage
— Nikki Beharie (@NikkiBeharie) September 21, 2015
Still floating… still grateful https://t.co/CeWkt9MDg5
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) September 21, 2015
AMEN!!!! Best speech of the night. #Emmys https://t.co/S8NYHTi2AE
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) September 21, 2015
Other prominent well-wishers joined the chorus, too:
The queen. The first black woman to win a PrimeTime Emmy for lead actress in a Drama Series. Chills… https://t.co/dUKQSGUqEo
— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) 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
.@shondarhimes Couldn’t have happened without you dear Shonda. Thanks for kicking that door open wide enough for @violadavis to soar thru.
— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) September 21, 2015
Finally, Davis’s boss, Shonda Rhimes weighed in. Based on her reaction, it sounds like Davis shouldn’t worry about having a great day back at work when she wakes up the morning after her post-Emmy triumph.
I love listening to her speak. #ViolaDavis
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) September 21, 2015
Speechless.
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) September 21, 2015