Celebs React to Viola Davis’ Emmys Win & Inspiring Speech

By David Niederhoffer |

Published: Sep 20, 2015

Viola Davis made history at the 2015 Emmy Awards by becoming the first black woman to win in the Lead Actress in a Drama Series category and tons of stars are celebrating with her!

The How to Get Away with Murder actress thanked other women who have paved the way, including Taraji P. Henson, Kerry Washington, Gabrielle Union, Nicole Beharie, and Meagan Good.

Several of those ladies and many other celebs like Oprah Winfrey, Julianne Moore, Ellen DeGeneres, Katie Couric, and more sent out congratulatory tweets as well.

Make sure to watch the video of Viola‘s speech!

OMG!!! I'm floored… and proud and crying… VIOLA VIOLA VIOLA!!! Thank you for letting us share your shine!!! Man… tears

— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) September 21, 2015

Click inside to read all of the other celebrity reaction tweets…

Viola!!!!!! And that hug from @TherealTaraji … crying!!!!! I'm sooooo of freaking proud, I'm shaking!!!!! @violadavis

— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) September 21, 2015

WHAT A NIGHT!!!!!!!!

— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) September 21, 2015

AMEN!!!! Best speech of the night. #Emmys https://t.co/S8NYHTi2AE

— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) September 21, 2015

@ViolaDavis Congratulations.Tears. "I want the work to reflect my level of gifts and talent…" -ViolaDavis

— Nikki Beharie (@NikkiBeharie) September 21, 2015

Tonight. Sisterhood. Fearlessness. Inspired

— Nikki Beharie (@NikkiBeharie) September 21, 2015

I love listening to her speak. #ViolaDavis

— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) September 21, 2015

Speechless.

— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) September 21, 2015

And over at #GreysAnatomy, I am working with the very FIRST black woman every nominated for Best Actress in a drama: @msdebbieallen.

— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) 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

The most inspiring speech given by @ViolaDavis & dedicated2 women of color. Thankyou Viola -you made this Sista proud pic.twitter.com/3acHXwtZLx

— Sherri Shepherd (@SherriEShepherd) September 21, 2015

BRAVO @violadavis ! You, your talent, your speech—-GORGEOUS!!!

— Darby Stanchfield (@darbysofficial) September 21, 2015

Thank you @violadavis for being all that you are…I appreciate you so muchðŸ™Œ #makinghistory #WOC pic.twitter.com/RVygboYQh7

— Zendaya (@Zendaya) September 21, 2015

Huge congrats to @violadavis Huge.

— scott foley (@scottkfoley) September 21, 2015

@violadavis CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Beautiful work, beautiful speech!!!!

— Julianne Moore (@_juliannemoore) September 21, 2015

HUGEST & MOST HEARTFELT CONGRATS TO @violadavis ! 1st NOM, 1st WIN! "In my mind, I see a line" BEAUTIFUL…

— Angie Harmon (@Angie_Harmon) September 21, 2015

.@ViolaDavis, you're spectacular. #Emmys

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) September 21, 2015

I don’t think I’ve ever cried during an award show, but seeing @UzoAduba and @violadavis WIN!? My heart couldn’t be happier!!! Congrats! ðŸ’œ

— Amber Patrice Riley (@MsAmberPRiley) September 21, 2015

Thank you @violadavis for the tears that just ran all down my smoky eye. #Emmys

— Samira Wiley (@samirawiley) September 21, 2015

Yes yes yes yes @violadavis !!! So well deserved. So happy. So proud.

— Jack Falahee (@RestingPlatypus) September 21, 2015

Viola Davis. You are my hero. On and off camera.

— Danielle Brooks (@thedanieb) September 21, 2015

Historic @violadavis …#Emmys2015 #congrats

— Loni Love (@LoniLove) September 21, 2015

VIOLA DAVIS FOR PRESIDENT!

— Andy Cohen (@Andy) September 21, 2015

Know this about @ViolaDavis. Whenever she opens her mouth, there will be WISDOM. Speak the truth! #Emmys

— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) September 21, 2015