A host of celebrities and commentators have shared their reactions to Joe Biden's selection of Senator Kamala Harris as his vice presidential nominee.

Harris, who has been tipped as one of the favourites to be picked as Biden's running mate, is the first black woman and South Asian-American on a major party's ticket.

In an email revealing the news, Biden commented: "I need someone alongside me who is smart, tough and ready to lead. Kamala is that person."

Unsurprisingly, the announcement sparked a major reaction online, from both sides of the political divide.

Several well known celebrities, including comedian and The Daily Show host Trevor Noah, have congratulated Harris on being selected for the role.

Did Joe Biden pick Kamala Harris just so she can’t dust his ass in public again? Who knows, but congrats to the first Black woman on a major party ticket. pic.twitter.com/QvAqmgFkTJ

— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) August 12, 2020

Iconic singer, actress and comedian Bette Midler also shared her congratulations, saying she was "over the moon".

To Kamala! Congratulations! We’re over the moon! pic.twitter.com/I0FpiFlYAg

— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) August 12, 2020

Elizabeth Banks described Harris as "our country's next VP" and said she "can't wait to safely vote by mail for #BidenHarris2020".

Congrats to our Senator @KamalaHarris - our country’s next VP - I can’t wait to safely vote by mail for #BidenHarris2020 https://t.co/y7p7luqPjE

— Elizabeth Banks (@ElizabethBanks) August 11, 2020

Congrats @KamalaHarris #BidenHarris2020 pic.twitter.com/GO1c8F7u8Q

— Elizabeth Banks (@ElizabethBanks) August 11, 2020

Sherrilyn Ifill, the president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, described the decision as "historic".

Historic. First African American VP nominee of a major political party. #KamalaHarris pic.twitter.com/PBog4oLgIt

— Sherrilyn Ifill (@Sifill_LDF) August 11, 2020

Reese Witherspoon also noted "history is made".

History is made. Congratulations @KamalaHarris!! 🌟 #VPHarris

— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) August 11, 2020

Ava DuVernay, the award-winning director of Selma, 13th and When They See Us, shared an image of Shirley Chisholm, who DuVernay says "paved the way for Senator Harris".

Tonight, I remember Shirley Chisholm. In 1972, she said: “I want history to remember me not as the first Black woman to run for the presidency, but as a Black woman who lived in the 20th century and dared to be herself.” Rep. Chisholm paved the way for Senator Harris. An icon. pic.twitter.com/TyJq0Soyrj

— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 12, 2020

Senator Cory Booker described Harris as his "dear fried and sister", as well as "a trailblazer".

I'm proud to call @KamalaHarris my dear friend and sister—and next year, I'll be even more proud to call her our Vice President.

This is history. Kamala is a trailblazer who will serve this country well as the first Black and Asian American woman on a major party's ticket. pic.twitter.com/zUlL2TXkJ3

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) August 11, 2020

Hilary Clinton, meanwhile, said she was "thrilled to welcome @KamalaHarris to a historic Democratic ticket" – asking people to join her "in having her back and getting her elected".

I'm thrilled to welcome @KamalaHarris to a historic Democratic ticket. She's already proven herself to be an incredible public servant and leader. And I know she’ll be a strong partner to @JoeBiden. Please join me in having her back and getting her elected. pic.twitter.com/cmtOO8Gqqv

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 11, 2020