22 Ways Taraji P. Henson Won the Emmys

Updated on Sep 23, 2015 at 9:05 AM

It was a big night for women of color at the Emmy Awards on Sunday, and nobody understood that more than Taraji P. Henson. The Empire star, who was nominated for outstanding lead actress in a drama series, lost out to her fellow nominee Viola Davis — but if her reaction to Viola's win was any indication, she didn't seem to mind at all. Taraji's night was peppered with lots of sweet, exciting moments, including getting to present her longtime friend Regina King with her very first Emmy and being one of the talented actresses whom Viola paid homage to in her emotional acceptance speech. If her presence at the ceremony wasn't enough, Taraji also starred in one of the best commercials we've seen in a long time, which aired during the show. Keep reading to see 22 of the best moments from Taraji's night at the Emmys!

First, Taraji hit the red carpet in a gorgeous Alexander Wang gown.

She revealed that the dress was offered to her by the designer, who was also her Met Gala date this year.

She knew all her angles while posing for photos. Work, mama!

Taraji brought along three dates — her mom, Bernice; her grandmother Patsy; and her son, Marcel.

She and Marcel made a sweet pair on the red carpet.

During the show, Taraji was joined by her Empire costar Terrence Howard, who gave her a kiss before announcing their category.

She hilariously wiped the kiss away, resulting in this moment.

Taraji couldn't contain her excitement as she awarded her friend Regina King with an Emmy.

Regina won the award for outstanding supporting actress in a limited series for her role in American Crime. During her acceptance speech, she said, "That Taraji and Terrence presented me with this is pretty special," and she told ET that she had a feeling she had won based on Taraji's reaction: "I was stunned," adding, "Because that's my girl, when she [gasped], that's when my heart started beating fast. 'She's gotta be doing that for me, it's gotta be me!'"

That scream was everything!

The two friends shared many heartfelt hugs while on stage together. You could just FEEL how happy Taraji was for Regina.

She kept the celebration going in the Emmys lounge, where she chopped it up with Rob Lowe . . .

And cuddled up with Lady Gaga.

Taraji basically just bellied up to the bar and let the other stars come to her. Here's Evan Ross chatting her up . . .

Followed by Jane Lynch.

She cracked up with Maggie Gyllenhaal . . .

And struck a pose with Seth Meyers.

Then, her amazing Apple Music commercial with Mary J. Blige and Kerry Washington aired.

It was definitely one of the best we've ever seen.

She also met up with Kerry in the lounge during the show — do you think they watched the ad together?

She, Kerry, and Terrence snapped selfies.

She also made sure to greet Jon Hamm, who would go on to win his first-ever Emmy Award.

She made it back to her seat just in time to see Viola Davis's history-making Emmy win.

And when Viola's name was called, Taraji made a beeline for her and gave her a huge, excited hug.

She was visibly proud and moved during Viola's acceptance speech and mouthed, "That was beautiful."

The How to Get Away With Murder star also shouted out Taraji as one of her inspirations, along with Kerry Washington, Halle Berry, and Gabrielle Union.

Taraji wrapped up the night at the Fox afterparty and was totally feeling herself in that Alexander Wang dress.

What a whirlwind!