Will Kerry Washington Win An Emmy 2013? 'Scandal' Star Could Be First Black Actress To Win 'Lead Actress'

Kerry Washington could make history on Sunday at the 65^th Emmy Awards if she wins Lead Actress for “Scandal.” She would be the first black actress to win the title and she’s already the first to be nominated for the award in nearly two decades.

The last time a black actress was nominated for an Emmy for Lead Actress was in 1995, when Cicely Tyson was nominated at the 47th annual Emmy Awards for her role in NBC’s “Sweet Justice.”

Washington is thrilled with the nomination, and told People back in July that she felt lucky. "I'm the luckiest broad in showbiz," she said. "I just feel really blessed and humbled and grateful for this nomination."

It’s the first Emmy nomination for Washington, and she thanked creator Shona Rhimes on Twitter, who is also responsible for the hit medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy.” "WOW! Im so grateful &humbled…I'll spend the rest of my life saying this and it won't ever be enough but... THANK YOU @shondarhimes XOXOXOX”

Washington started her acting career in 1995, according to IMBD. Her breakout role was in “Save the Last Dance” as Chenille and her role as Olivia Pope on “Scandal” has arguably been her most impressive yet.

She’s up against tough competition, however. Also nominated for Lead Actress at the 2013 Emmys is Claire Danes for “Homeland,” Connie Britton for “Nashville,” Elizabeth Moss for “Mad Men,” Robin Wright for “House of Cards,” Michelle Dockery for “Downtown Abbey” and Vera Farmiga for “Bates Motel.”

Washington, however, seems elated that she was even given an Emmy nod, saying in a statement quoted by The Wrap: "Rather than comment specifically on the Emmy nomination, I’ll say I’m really proud to live in world where a show that has a woman of color as its lead character can be a success.

"I’m proud to be in a show that really champions inclusivity.”

Check out the Emmys live on CBS on Sunday at 8 p.m. EDT.