Viola Davis makes history as 1st African-American woman to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

50 year old Viola Davis made history at the Emmy Awards by being the first African-American woman to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

She won for her role as Annalise Keating on ABC's hit freshman show 'How to Get Away with Murder'.

The "How to Get Away with Murder" star became very emotional as she received the award and gave a thank you speech. She said: '

In my dreams and visions, I seemed to see a line, and on the other side of that line were green fields, and lovely flowers, and beautiful white ladies, who stretched out their arms to me over the line, but I couldn't reach them no-how,' Davis said, quoting Harriet Tubman in her acceptance speech. 

'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.' Thank you for taking us over that line. Thank you to the Television Academy.' Davis, who is a graduate from the prestigious Juilliard School, concluded.

Her speech was a highlight from the show and also drew a standing ovation from Taraji P. Henson in the crowd.

An emotional Davis continued on by thanking the other actresses of color, including Washington, Halle Berry, Meagan Good, Gabrielle Union and fellow nominee Taraji P. Henson.