Laverne Cox makes Daytime Creative Arts Emmys history with first win

Actress Laverne Cox made Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Award history on Saturday (25Apr15) when she became the first trans woman to win the coveted TV prize with her recent documentary.

The Orange is the New Black star and transgender advocate hosted and executive produced Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word, which won the Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Class Special.

Not only is Cox the first trans woman to win the prize, but the program is also the first trans documentary to win an Emmy.

Laverne Cox Presents: The T Word features seven trans youths who range from ages 12 to 24, as they recall their individual journeys to overcome challenges such as bullying and anti-transgender violence.

Cox, who was nominated for a Primetime Emmy last year (14) for her role as trans woman Sophia on the hit prison drama, took to social media to share her gratitude for the accolade, writing, "I am beside myself. Laverne Cox presents the #TWord won at the #DaytimeEmmys tonight. Thank you... to all the young people who so bravely shared their stories. I love you all so much."

Meanwhile, other Daytime Creative Arts Emmys went to comedienne Ellen DeGeneres, whose talk show won three prizes, and actors Fred Willard (The Bold and the Beautiful) and Donna Mills (General Hospital) each nabbed the trophies for Outstanding Special Guest Performer in a Drama Series.

The main Daytime Emmy Awards will be handed out on Sunday night (26Apr15) at a ceremony in Los Angeles.