The 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards celebrated the best in television and on-demand streaming shows released between June 1 and May 31 of 2021, with Cedric The Entertainer serving a host of the festivities.
During the ceremony, the famed choreographer, dancer, actress, singer-songwriter and director received a special honor - the 2021 Governors Award - for her contributions to television, as well as her commitment to philanthropic and charitable organizations and endeavors.
'I am trembling with gratitude and grace, I'm trying not to cry and be equal to the situation because it's been many years in the making,' Allen, 71, confessed during the introduction of her acceptance speech.
Inspiring: Debbie Allen, 71, delivered an inspirational speech where she urged people to 'claim your power' and 'claim your voice, when she accepted the 2021 Governors Award at the Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday
Beginning with a videotaped piece highlighting her life, narrated by Gayle King, Jada Pinkett Smith, Ellen Pompeo, Ava Duvernay and Michael Douglas then took to the stage holding canes, in a nod to her Fame Character Lydia Grant. They would repeatedly tap on those canes on the floor for her dramatic entrance that led to a standing ovation.
The Houston, Texas native shared how it has taken 'a lot of courage to be the only woman in the room most of the time, a lot of courage and creativity and faith to believe that I could keep going. And I have,' Allen, 71, continued on in her speech, decked out in a bold red gown
'And I brought a whole lot of people with me, so I want to say thank you for this glorious moment in the sun.'
Tribute: The honor began with a videotaped piece highlighting her life that was narrated by Gayle King; Jada Pinkett Smith, Ellen Pompeo, Ava Duvernay and Michael Douglas then took to the stage holding canes, in a nod to her Fame Character Lydia Grant
Road to Fame and beyond: The Fame icon talked about the 'courage' it took her persevere in her career that began back in the 1970s
It's at this point that Allen would give her fans and viewers a small glimpse
