Reed Morano first woman to win for directing a drama at Emmys in 22 years

Blessed be Reed Morano.

The Handmaid’s Tale director became the first woman to take home the Emmy Award for directing in a drama series since Mimi Leder (ER) won in 1995.

Morano thanked her cast and author Margaret Atwood, tipping her hat especially to leading lady and executive producer Elisabeth Moss.

“Lizzie is my ultimate inspiration and this is as much her as it is me,” Morano said.

Beginning her career as a cinematographer (and currently the youngest member of the American Cinematographer’s Association), this marked Morano’s first Emmy nomination and win. She won for directing the premiere episode of The Handmaid’s Tale first season, titled “Offred.”

She joins a host of her Handmaid’s Tale colleagues in the winner’s circle on Sunday, including actress Ann Dowd and writer Bruce Miller.

Moreno beat out fellow Handmaid’s director Kate Dennis for Emmy gold, as well as Stephen Daldry, Vince Gilligan, Lesli Linka Glatter, the Duffer Brothers, and Jonathan Nolan.