Michaela Coel Won An Emmy And Dedicated Her Show To ‘Every Single Survivor Of Sexual Assault’
She is the first Black woman to win an Emmy for outstanding writing for a limited series.
Michaela Coel has made history as the first Black woman to win an Emmy Award for outstanding writing for a limited series.
At the 73rd annual Emmy Awards today, Coel won her first Emmy for her powerful and highly acclaimed HBO series I May Destroy You. Accepting the award, Coel spoke about the importance of storytelling, the power of choosing to remain invisible, and dedicated I May Destroy You to “every single survivor of sexual assault”.
"I dedicate this award to every single survivor of sexual assault." Michaela Coel #Emmys2021 pic.twitter.com/9VJzkWcFvy
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) September 20, 2021
“Write the tale that scares you, that makes you feel uncertain, that isn’t comfortable. I dare you,” said Coel.
“In a world that entices us to browse the lives of others to help us better determine how we feel about ourselves, and to, in turn, feel the need to be constantly visible — for visibility, these days, seems to somehow equate to success — do not be afraid to disappear. From it, from us, for a while. And see what comes to you in the silence.”
Following Coel’s win, Olivia Colman was awarded the Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for her role as Queen Elizabeth in The Crown. In her acceptance speech, Colman dedicated her win to her father who died ‘during COVID’, before ending her speech with “Michaela Coel, fuck yeah”.
olivia colman ended her golden globe speech by saying "fleabag, yaay!" and her emmy speech by saying "michaela coel, fuck yeah!" the woman of a good taste, i believe.
— erika🌙 (@oliviascolmans) September 20, 2021
Coel’s I May Destroy You came out on top against Mare of Easttown, The Queen’s Gambit, and WandaVision. The series was also nominated in four other Emmys categories, including outstanding lead actress in a limited series and outstanding directing for a limited series.
The Emmy nominations — and Emmy win — come after I May Destroy You was controversially snubbed by the 2021 Golden Globes.
Coel is a survivor of sexual assault and I May Destroy You follows the journey of writer Arabella, after she is assaulted in the bathroom of a nightclub. The series is an absolute must-watch and is currently available to stream on Binge and Foxtel.