The multi-talented Michaela Coel has made history by becoming the first Black woman to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her series, I May Destroy You.
The British actress, screenwriter, director and producer scooped up the prize at the 2021 Emmy Award ceremony – celebrating the best in U.S. primetime TV – in Los Angeles last night (September 19).
In her acceptance speech, Coel dedicated her award to the survivors of sexual assault, while also delivering an inspiring message to budding writers.
“I just wrote a little something, for writers, really,” she said. “Write the tale that scares you, that makes you feel uncertain, that is uncomfortable. I dare you.
“In a world that entices us to browse through the lives of others to help us 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.
“Thank you to Kate, Amy, and various artists unlimited for two of the best years of my life,” she added. “I dedicate this story to every single survivor of sexual assault.”
The award is one of many for Coel and I May Destroy You in recent times, following wins at the BAFTA TV Awards, NAACP Awards and the Royal Television Society Awards.
Click here to see the full list of winners from the 2021 Emmy Awards.
[Image by Featureflash Photo Agency via Shutterstock]