Sarah Paulson wins an Emmy for her incredible work in 'The People v. O.J. Simpson'

In one of the most expected wins of the night, Sarah Paulson brings home her first Emmy for her role as prosecutor Marcia Clark on FX's The People v. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story.

This is Paulson's first Emmy win, and her sixth overall nomination (she was also nominated this year for her role in American Horror Story: Hotel). Her big moment took on additional significance as she brought the real-life Clark -- who has spoken positively about Paulson's portrayal -- as her date for the evening's ceremony.

Paulson's heartbreaking portrayal of Marcia Clark -- who was also Paulson's date to the show on Sunday night -- immediately drew praise from both critics and audiences, and the show and Paulson's role have been credited with giving the public a new lens in which to understand a woman many harshly vilified in the '90s.

Who among us didn't cry during the episode when Paulson debuted her new haircut in court and then was immediately mocked? That episode, "Marcia Marcia Marcia," won the Emmy for limited series writing earlier in the evening.

Other nominees in the category were Kristen Dunst (Fargo), Felicity Hoffman (American Crime), Audra McDonald (Lady Day), Lili Taylor (American Crime) and Kerry Washington (Confirmation).