Viola Davis‘ Emmy win is still touching the hearts and spirits of everyone celebrating #BlackGirlMagic. Actress Kerry Washington recently expressed her gratitude for Viola’s touching speech in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
Kerry knows the pressure of being nominated for such a prestigious award; she was the first Black actress since Cicely Tyson in 1995 to be nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama for her role in Scandal in 2013. But Olivia Pope‘s alter ego knows that Viola’s win was so much bigger than just talking home the honor. Kerry recounts the moment she watched not only Viola, but Regina King (who won for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series for American Crime) on stage as well.
“As a woman and as a black woman, my head was exploding. It was so special. And I was standing in the wings, so I got to give Regina one of the first hugs, after winning, so I was already a mess.
“Then Viola won, and I was so proud of her. I was so moved by her speech, which was so incredibly courageous, just phenomenally bold and honest and beautiful. And for her to share that moment by calling out the names of her peers in the audience and for those at home, it was so generous and special.”
It’s amazing to hear people in Hollywood be so kind to each other. Not to mention, Kerry deserves her props as a Black woman breaking down barriers in the industry as well.
SOURCE: EW | VIDEO SOURCE: EW
