#BlackGirlMagic: Here Are The 10 Black Actresses Nominated For Emmys

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This year’s Emmy nominations took Hollywood by storm with ten black actresses up for awards and two making Emmy history.

Taraji P. Henson (Empire) and Viola Davis (How To Get Away With Murder) have been nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, a nomination that has never had two black women in the category at the same time. The first time a black actress was nominated in the category was Cicely Tyson in 1995. Kerry Washington broke through barriers with her respective nomination in the category in 2013 and 2014.

Tyson, 81 also came full circle by receiving a nomination for Outstanding Guest In a Drama Series for her appearance as Davis’ mother in HTGWM.

Rightfully so, the ladies celebrated on social media:

In great company with my sister @TherealTaraji! Also, @NiecyNash! Congrats to all on the outstanding work!

— Viola Davis (@violadavis) July 16, 2015

Thank you for the opportunity to work with such a talented group of creators and actors. @violadavis @shondarhimes https://t.co/X1ayFTIGQg

— Cicely Tyson (@IAmCicelyTyson) July 16, 2015

Davis has shared the need for diversity in Hollywood and has touched on her battle with her character on HTGWM. She’s also had open conversations with Henson about their roles and how they’ve been planted into pop culture.

When asked about sharing the nomination with Henson, Davis told Variety:

“I just feel that it’s our time. I really do. When we put in the work, I think that it becomes undeniable. It’s our time to be included in the narrative. We’re as much a part of this world and this life as anyone else, and our world and our story and our images, they need to be put out there.”

Other nominations included the following ladies:

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

Uzo Aduba, Orange Is the New Black