Viola Davis feels ''mellow'' ahead of the Emmy Awards tonight (20.09.15).

The Oscar-nominated actress will compete for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series at the TV awards ceremony for her critically lauded role in 'How to Get Away with Murder', but she admits she isn't feeling nervous.

Speaking to PEOPLE.com, Viola said: ''I feel mellow.

''Yesterday, I was nervous. Today, I feel good. There are expectations. You wonder, If I don't win, am I a failure? But today, I feel mellow.''

The 50-year-old actress also opened up about how she plans to prepare for the star-studded bash, revealing that she plans on indulging in some sparkly wine before walking the red carpet.

Viola added: ''It's not my first day at the rodeo, you know. I'll probably work out. If I had a jacuzzi, I'd go in that. Watch some CNN. Maybe have a glass of prosecco. Talk to my husband. Just relax a little bit.''

Viola is one of two African-American stars up for the prestigious Best Actress award, which has never previously been won by an African-American, and she hopes to see more and more minority actresses recognised for their hard work.

She said: ''I feel that come [the Emmys], win or lose, I hope that this wave [continues] of seeing Taraji P. Henson, Halle Berry, Nicole Beharie, Kerry Washington, Gabrielle Union, and the nameless faceless actresses out there that the only thing that has ever separated us in this world, in this business, is opportunity. If it's not written, we can't play it.''