Carroll was present on stage for the 2013 Emmy Awards , to briefly speak about being the first African American nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award . She was quoted as saying , " talented Kerry Washington better win ! " Washington erroneously stated that Carroll was the first black performer ever to be nominated for an Emmy . Actually , at least three black performers were nominated before Carroll , who was first nominated in 1963 . These performers include : Ethel Waters for a guest appearance on '' Route 66 '' , in 1962 ; Harry Belafonte , nominated in 1956 and 1961 and winning in 1960 ; and Sammy Davis Jr. , who was nominated in 1956 with Belafonte
2013 Emmy Awards
65th Primetime Emmy Awards
Diahann Carroll