Michaela Coel Delivers Powerful Speech for Emmy Win

WARNING: This article includes sensitive topics, including sexual assault.

Michaela Coel made Emmys history on September 19, as she became the first Black woman to win ‘Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.’ Coel is the mastermind behind writing the emotional masterpiece that is I May Destroy You.

I May Destroy You, the drama series created, written, co-directed, and executive produced by Michaela Coel, follows young writer Arabella Essiedu (Coel) working to rebuild her life after she is raped. The limited series consisted of 12 episodes and is inspired by Coel’s own personal experiences. The actress tells an incredibly riveting story, where she received an outpouring of love and support over the excellent series.

Forever grateful to Michaela Coel for taking us all on such a complex, powerful and deeply personal journey with Arabella in I MAY DESTROY YOU. pic.twitter.com/zNHAX23m6f

— Reel and Roll Films (Calvin) 🔜 #LFF2021 (@calvinlaw1996) September 18, 2021

After one too many snubs this awards season, the Emmys got it right, awarding Coel as the well-deserved winner of ‘Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.’ The talented screenwriter took the stage, visibly shocked, but her nerves or words would not fail her. She would go on to deliver the best speech of the night, dedicating her Emmy to survivors of sexual assault and aspiring writers who have a dream.

I am in tears. Michaela Coel truly deserves the best writer award. She told the story of so many survivors of sexual assault and violence with such deft, beauty, and even humor. Salute to a real one. #Emmys

— Dr. Nicole Symmonds (@nicole_symmonds) September 20, 2021

“I just wrote a little something, for writers, really,” —Michaela Coel

— stony morrison, PhD (@rrandolphjr) September 20, 2021

Coel tells the audience and those that are watching from home:

“Write the tale that scares you. That makes you feel uncertain. That isn’t comfortable. I dare you. In a world that entices us to browse through 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.”

Upon the exciting news of Coel’s win, many took to social media to share their congratulations to the actress.

Yes!!!! @MichaelaCoel won! More than well-deserved!!!!!

— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) September 20, 2021

So richly deserved. #MichaelaCoel is a monumentally talented artist. “I May Destroy You” is one of the most powerful shows I’ve ever seen on television. #EmmyAwards2021 pic.twitter.com/uqmO316djn

— Sherrilyn Ifill (@Sifill_LDF) September 20, 2021

Congratulations to Michaela Coel on a history-making Emmy win. Fans can watch the powerful I May Destroy You on HBO Max.