1. When she spoke frankly and openly about her childhood hunger and the struggles of growing up in poverty.
2. When she dropped some truthbombs about the importance of seeing her How To Get With Murder character out of her wig.
3. When she had the right priorities at the Golden Globes.
4. When she expertly called out the New York Times writer who referred to her as "older, darker-skinned and less classically beautiful than [Kerry] Washington."
5. And when she spoke to what drew her to HTGAWM in the first place.
6. Let's not forget her instantly iconic Emmys acceptance speech.
7. And when she and fellow nominee Taraji P. Henson shared a celebratory hug over the victory.
8. Whenever she rocked her natural hair on the red carpet.
9. Viola has worked long and hard for her success, so any time she revels in her power it lights up a room.
10. Any time she slayed a camera or a stage with her now-legendary acting abilities.
11. And stood up for her right to only accept deep, complex roles that are worthy of her.
12. She strikes that balance between confidence in herself and her abilities and gratefulness to those around her who've helped create those roles that are worthy of her.
13. A goddess of the body, mind, and soul, Viola also reminds us of the importance of failure.
