The Empire cast gathered for a panel and mini-concert at an outdoor mall in Los Angeles last week. When the talk turned to the Emmys, Lee Daniels said, “We [Daniels and Danny Strong] don't do it for the awards. We do it to tell the truth." Strong added, "I think awards are fun and exciting. If you want to nominate me, I will show up in a tuxedo, but ultimately, it's about storytelling. But we'll be there."

Taraji P. Henson jumped in and told Strong, "Clean that up, buddy! I'm tryin' to make history!" How would Henson feel if she won the Emmy, given that no African-American female has won the Emmy for best actress in a drama series? "It would be incredible,” she said. “Wow! I gotta win! I gotta win for history!"