The announcement of the 2014 Emmy nominations made history with Laverne Cox, as the actress was the first transgendered woman to ever get nominated for an award.
Cox is up for the Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Sophia Burset in "Orange is the New Black." She plays a transgendered woman who was busted for credit card fraud after using stolen cards to pay for her transition.
The actress released a statement to USA Today regarding her nomination.
"I got to meet the president, I have an Emmy nomination and I can afford to redecorate my apartment," Cox said. "I have a publicist who connected this call. Everything is different. My whole life has changed. People recognize me wherever I go. Nothing is the same it was last year."
Congrats to everyone at @oitnb on our #EmmyNoms today. So proud to be working with all of you on such a groundbreaking show. #oitnb
— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) July 10, 2014
"I think this nomination happened because of Jodie, honestly," Cox added. "That was a dream come true for me, as an actor. Who didn't grow up watching Jodie Foster movies? I would rewind tapes to see what she did. This performance in Episode 3 happened because of her."
GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis released a statement to The Wrap regarding Cox's nomination.
"From gracing the cover of TIME Magazine, to now becoming the first openly transgender person to be nominated for an Emmy in an acting category, Laverne Cox continues to break barriers," Ellis said.
"Today, countless transgender youth will hear the message that they can be who they are and still achieve their dreams - nothing is out of reach," Ellis continued. "Laverne's success on a hit series is a clear indication that audiences are ready for more trans characters on television."
"Orange is the New Black" was nominated for more than 10 Emmy awards.
