Kerry Washington
Diahann Carroll and Kerry Washington appear at the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards show. Reuters

“Scandal” actress Kerry Washington was nominated as outstanding lead actress in a drama series in the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards competition, but lost to “Homeland” star Claire Danes. Many were anticipating Washington would win the award, which would have made her the first African-American actress to take home the hardware in the category. Even so, she was the first African-American star to get nominated for it in 18 years.

The actress sat with her hands clutched together with a smile on her face as she waited for the winner to be announced, but the award went to a stunned Danes, who promptly took the stage.

Washington wore a cream-and-white Marchesa gown. The Huffington Post wrote the dress was from the fashion house’s Spring 2014 collection and included gold lace and flower appliques. “The moment I saw it on the runway, I said, ‘Send it to me,’” Washington told USA Today, according to Huffington Post.

Despite the missed opportunity to make history, Washington appeared happy to have been nominated. She said in a statement that was quoted by The Wrap: “Rather than comment specifically on the Emmy nomination, I’ll say I’m really proud to live in world where a show that has a woman of color as its lead character can be a success.”

On Twitter, she thanked series creator Shonda Rhimes: “WOW! Im so grateful &humbled…I’ll spend the rest of my life saying this and it won’t ever be enough but... THANK YOU @shondarhimes XOXOXOX”

However, Twitter users were upset for Washington, and they took to the social-media site to share their malcontent. Check out some of their comments below: