Kerry Washington fans are on tenterhooks as they wait to find out Sunday if she will become the first black woman to win a primetime Emmy for lead actress in a drama series for her role on ABC's Scandal.
It was announced earlier this summer that Washington was nominated for her first Emmy for her role as Olivia Pope on Scandal. It's also the first time that a black actress has been nominated for lead actress in a drama series since the 1994-1995 season, when Cicely Tyson was tapped for her role in NBC's Sweet Justice, according to Shadow and Act.
Interestingly, Sweet Justice would run for just one season. And Tyson didn't win. She lost to Kathy Baker for her work in Picket Fences.
Note: a black actress has never won in this category, in the 65 years since the first Primetime Emmys were awarded.
Never! Not once!Â
In the Primetime Emmy's 65-year history, black actresses have been nominated just 9 times in that specific category - again, Lead Actress In A Drama Series.
Sounds like Sunday's Emmys might bring a reason to celebrate.
Read more at Shadow and Act.