Viola Davis made history Sunday night as she became the first black woman to secure an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

The announcement was met with much applause from her fellow nominees, most notably Taraji P. Henson, who gave Davis a huge hug and a standing ovation, NPR reports. Henson was nominated for her much-lauded role as Cookie in the popular series "Empire," but it was Davis' character Annalise Keating in "How to Get Away with Murder" that won out the night.

Davis acknowledged the historical significance of the win in her speech, pointing to the persistent struggle many women of color face in an industry dominated by white actresses. She referenced the words of Harriet Tubman, who the actress will portray in an upcoming HBO film.

"In my mind, I see a line" said Davis, quoting Tubman, The New York Times reports. "And over that line, I see green fields and lovely flowers and beautiful white women with their arms stretched out to me, over that line. But I can't seem to get there no how. I can't seem to get over that line."

Davis went on to acknowledge that the only thing that separates black and white actresses is opportunity.

"You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there," Davis said. "So here's to all the writers, the awesome people that are Ben Sherwood, Paul Lee, Peter Nowalk, Shonda Rhimes, people who have redefined what it means to be beautiful, to be sexy, to be a leading woman, to be black."

Backstage, Davis said she would continue to help pave the way for actors of color. She and her husband Julius Tennon hope to do so through their new company, JuVee Productions.

Other notable wins of the night included Outstanding Lead Actor to Jon Hamm for his role in the drama "Mad Men." It was his first win after 15 nominations. Jeffrey Tambor also won for Lead Actor in a Comedy for his work as a gender-transitioning father in "Transparent."