Uzo Aduba Makes Emotional Speech After Making History With Emmy Award

Actress Uzo Aduba, known for her role as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren on the Netflix Drama Orange Is the New Black, made history Sunday night (September 20), when she won an Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role in OITNB, as reported by Time.

In 2014, the show was categorized as a comedy, but this year, it was categorized as a drama. Last year, Aduba won the Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for the same role, making her only the second to have won two Emmys in two different categories for the same role.

Emma Roberts and Jamie Lee Curtis came on stage to list the nominees and announce the winner.

“And the Emmy goes to the girl who I asked how to pronounce her name, Uzo Aduba.”

The camera showed Uzo in her seat hug her sister before going up to the stage. Uzo was obviously very moved as she ascended the stairs to the stage.

“I really just want to say thank you a thousand times. If I could say thank you a thousand times it would not be enough to cover the amount of thanks that I feel for you Jenji Kohan. I love you so much. I appreciate you for putting belief back in my heart. I love you, thank you for making this show, for creating this space, for creating a platform. Thank you to our family at Netflix and Lions Gate. You all are incredible I love you so much for your kindness….I want to say thank you to our cast and our crew. I love you guys. I’m so thankful to stand beside a set of artists who are so brilliant.”

Aduba continued to list those close to her that have been there for her including her manager, agents, and lawyers. Uzo emotionally thanked them for letting her show her individuality.

“You guys are incredible and I love you most, mostly because you let me be me.”

At this point in her speech, Aduba became very emotional. Uzo thanked her family for always being there for her no matter what and for standing “beside me my entire life.” Aduba specifically thanked her sister who came with her to the award show. Uzo spoke to her sister in the audience telling her how much she meant to Aduba.

“You are my very best friend. I am humbled to call myself your sister. I love you so much.”

Uzo Aduba wrapped up her tearful speech by thanking the Academy and her fellow actors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IdUpIthUNw

[Photo Courtesy of Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images]