(Frazier Harrison/Getty Images Entertainment)

Last year, The New York Times published a dreadfully misinformed review by seriously questionable critic Alessandra Stanley, which opened with the line “When Shonda Rhimes writes her autobiography, it should be called ‘How to Get Away With Being an Angry Black Woman.'” Stanley also pointed out how rare it was to see a leading lady like Viola Davis on a major network show, because, in her opinion Davis was “less classically beautiful,” than most of the black women we see on television. The review, and that phrase in particular, drew ire from fans and supporters of the show. Peter Nowalk, the shows creator, responded in support of Davis, as did Shonda Rhimes, and Viola Davis herself.

When accepting the award for “Favorite Actress In A New TV Series” at last night’s People’s Choice Awards , Davis, who looked ravishing in red, took a subtle dig at the infamous article. “Thank you Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers and Peter Nowalk,” Davis said to much applause, “for thinking of a leading lady who looks like my classic beauty.”

How to Get Away with Murder returns for 2015 on Thursday, January 29th.