10 Times Women Made Us Laugh, Cry, and Cheer at the Emmy Awards

The Emmy Awards happened last night, and with them came so many fantastic new reasons to celebrate women in television. History was made, important subjects were discussed, and comedy ensued when these ladies took the stage, reminding us over and over again why the shows they write, direct, and star in are some of our favorites of all time. Here are 10 of the best moments we all want to relive after last night's celebration, and here's to many more in the future!

(RELATED: 17 Pics of the Orange Is the New Black Cast Crushing It Together at the Emmys) 

1. Viola Davis makes history as the first black woman to win for Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

"The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity. You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there," Viola Davis declared when she took the stage. Passionate, important, and honest, Viola's emotional speech brought tears to many an eye, and she constantly had to pause to wait out the cheers of support and agreement. This made for not only one of the Emmy's most beautiful moments last night, but of all time. 

2. Jill Soloway advocates for trans equality.

"We don't have a trans tipping point yet, we have a trans civil right problem," Jill Soloway asserted upon winning Outstanding Directing on a Comedy Series for Transparent, "So go to transequality.org and vote to pass the trans equality bill." She also dedicated the awardTransparent won for Best Television Series, Comedy to trans teen Leelah Alcorn who committed suicide last year, as well as to Jill's own trans parent, her "moppa," who inspired the series. We hope people listen to Jill's speech and really take the time to educate themselves and take action. 

3. Uzo Aduba picks up another win and even more of our love.

Uzo Aduba picked up the Emmy for her role in Orange is the New Blackyet again (she won last year as well), and her overwhelming emotional speech reminded us all of why we love her so much. Her pure love for her work and team radiated off the stage and into our hearts, and we'd be totally happy to watch her win many more times in the future!

4. The 'Amys' teamed up and it was amazing

Amy Poehler + Amy Schumer = utter genius. We would have preferred these two as hosts, but we'll take any moment of their magic that we can get. 

5. Regina King wins for American Crime

Regina King picked up the Emmy for Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for American Crime, and Taraji P. Henson's excitement was definitely appropriate. This was Regina's first nomination and she may not have prepared a speech, but every word she said was eloquent and beautiful, including a thank you to, "my amazing mother and grandmother who have taught me the power and blessing of being a woman." 

6. Inside Amy Schumer beats Saturday Night Live 

The Emmy for Best Variety Series got it completely right when Inside Amy Schumer beat SNL. Amy's half-funny, half-genuinely lovely speech recognized the importance of this show that "fights for what they believe in," as well as her smoky eye makeup artist, sister, and stellar writing team. We're so glad Inside Amy Schumer has another two years ahead, so that we can get more brilliant sketches like these. 

7. Jane Anderson (Olive Kitteridge director) and Lisa Cholodenko (Olive Kitteridge director) both thank their wives in the winning speeches. 

Olive Kitteridge won big at the Emmys this year with not only screenwriter Jane Anderson and director Lisa Cholodenko picking up awards, but also winning Best Limited Series, Best Actress (Frances McDormand), Best Actor (Richard Jenkins), and Best Supporting Actor (BIll Murray). Amidst such success, it was particularly awesome to hear Jane and Lisa shout out at their wives in their speeches. And if you haven't caught Olive Kitteridge, clearly now is the time. 

8. Tatiana Maslany's mid-show red carpet exploration was strange and glorious. 

We're not 100% sure what was going on here, but we loved every moment of it. Tatiana may not have won the emmy for Best Actress in a Drama Series (hey, at least she was nominated!), but she continued to be just as awesome as always when she scavanged the mid-show red carpet for treats. We were happily reminded of her portrayal of Helena in Orphan Black and look forward to her becoming an Emmy nominee mainstay now that people have caught on to her acting brilliance. 

9. Amy Poehler wins Best Approach to Your Nomination Announcement. 

Sometimes you just need to slouch in a hoodie and live your life. Amy didn't pick up her last chance at the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Parks and Recreation, but she proved she'll always be one of our faves. Those swag levels are truly off the charts.

10. Lady Gaga drops a subtle shout out to bi visibility while presenting.

"Although I love toasting to women, tonight I'm here for the men," Lady Gaga declared while presenting the Emmy for Lead Actor in a Limited Series / Movie. We love toasting to women too, Gaga. And so we will! Here's to the talented, powerful, gorgeous, hysterical, and inspiring ladies who are doing such special, important work. Thank you for making our TV schedules and lives all that much more awesome!

Have you liked us on Facebook?