Last night's 2022 Emmy Awards ceremony was filled with memorable moments, enviable fashion, and heartwarming acceptance speeches.
And I couldn't help but notice the way Black women shined throughout the night as they continued to make history with every award they received.
Here's a quick refresher of all the big moments:
Sheryl Lee Ralph kicked things off when she won Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Barbara Howard in Abbott Elementary — making her the second Black woman to win in this category.
The renowned actor received a standing ovation as she made her way onstage, only to leave everyone in awe as she opened her speech by singing Dianne Reeves' song "Endangered Species." It was followed by a sincere message on why you should never give up on your dreams.
#Emmy winner Sheryl Lee Ralph: "Anyone who has ever, ever had a dream and thought your dream...couldn't come true. I am here to tell you that this is what believing looks like. This is what striving looks like. And don't you ever, ever give up on you." https://t.co/h3GrtHDUA6
Sheryl has been in the business for over four decades and has given us amazing performances ranging from Deena Jones in the Broadway musical Dreamgirls to Dee Mitchell in Moesha. But surprisingly, this was her first Emmy nomination and win.
The only thing that made this moment sweeter is when we saw her family — husband Vincent Hughes and two children, Ivy Maurice and Etienne Maurice — reacting to her historic win. There truly wasn't a dry eye in the room.
Next up, Lizzo, who won for Best Competition Series for her Prime Video show Lizzo's Watch Out for the Big Grrrls, which ended RuPaul's Drag Race's four-year streak.
Lizzo was joined onstage by the series contestants where she spoke on the importance of sharing diverse stories: “When I was a little girl, all I wanted to see was me in the media. Someone fat like me. Black like me. Beautiful like me. If I could go back and tell little Lizzo something, I would be like, ‘You’re going to see that person, but bitch, it’s going to have to be you.'”
Lizzo accepts the #Emmy for competition series for #WatchOutForTheBigGrrrls: "When I was a little girl, all I wanted to see was me in the media. Someone fat like me. Black like me. Beautiful like me." https://t.co/h3GrtHDmKy
The "About Damn Time" singer made it clear last night and throughout her career that beauty does not come in one size. That was proved once again as she honored the stories of the aspiring backup dancers on her show.
This is for the BIG GRRRLS ✊🏾
After this achievement, fans couldn't help but cheer her on toward another goal: becoming an EGOT winner. She would need an Oscar and a Tony to make this a reality...since she already has multiple Grammys.
What if @lizzo is the next Black EGOT?! Well deserved win. I love how some people hate on her and she stays winning! Congratulations! #Emmys2022
Later in the night, Zendaya made Emmys history for the second time as she won for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Rue Bennett in Euphoria.
And because she previously won the same award back in 2020, last night, Zendaya became the first Black woman to win an Emmy for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series twice, as well as the youngest two-time acting winner in Emmy history.
Zendaya might've been surprised by the win, but fans knew after she delivered that heart-wrenching performance in Season 2, Episode 5, "Stand Still Like the Hummingbird," that she was more than deserving of another Emmy win.
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Zendaya deserves all the Emmy awards for portraying Rue in Euphoria, but that scene in Season 2, Episode 5 deserves aaaaallll the awards and accolades. Nika, Zendaya, and Storm ate up and spit out that scene! It’s hauntingly moving, brilliant, and powerful beyond all words:
She made sure to thank everyone who inspired Rue's story, including those currently living a similar path, and those who know someone like Rue.
We will be over here crying about Zendaya's #Emmys speech for the rest of the night.😭 See all of the winners here: https://t.co/wu5s3aYxqa
And last, but certainly not least, is Quinta Brunson who took home her first Emmy for Best Writing for a Comedy Series for Abbott Elementary's pilot episode.
Not only did Quinta create the series, but she also stars and executive produces the show. Oh, and did I mention she's written multiple episodes for it as well?
The historic win made her the third Black writer and the second Black female writer to walk away with the award. Quinta's mentor, Larry Wilmore, and Lena Waithe are her predecessors in that category, which is one of the reasons she thanked Larry in her speech, for teaching her how to write television.
Despite the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel lying on the floor during her acceptance speech, nothing can overshadow Quinta's undeniable talent.
Quinta’s emmy winning speech IM CHEESING REAL HARD 😭😭#Emmys2022 #AbbottElementary
We couldn't be happier for these incredible ladies, and we look forward to cheering in their corners as they continue to thrive!
