TARAJI P. HENSON: Emmy Nomination Is "Bittersweet"

Taraji P. Henson says being nominated for an Emmy this year is "sort of bittersweet."

The Empire star, who's up for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama, tells Entertainment Weekly that's "because here we are in 2015, and we’re still saying things like, ‘First African-American,’ ‘First woman this.’” As the magazine points out, "While Isabel Sanford became the first African-American to win the Emmy for Lead Actress in a Comedy in 1981 for The Jeffersons, the Drama category still hasn’t passed this milestone."

This year, Taraji and Viola Davis (for How to Get Away With Murder) are both up for the honor. Taraji says, "I just pray to God…and it’s not even about me. I hope Viola wins. I hope I win. Just so we can get past this and we don’t have to say in 2020 or 2030 or 3000, ‘The first’ – I mean, come on, really."

We'll find out if there are any firsts next Sunday, when the 67th Emmys airs live on FOX.