Michaela Coel is First Woman of Color to Win Emmy For Outstanding Writing

Published

4 years ago

September 21, 2021

A culture-changing feat has been achieved for a black woman. Writer and actor, Michaela Coel, has won her first Emmy award. With this win, she has become the first woman of color to win it for the Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie category. After she accepted the award, she gave a bold and empowering speech.

Coel’s Emmy Speech

Michaela Coel was amazed at her win and did not expect to claim a victory so soon within her career. As she walked to the stage, she was nervous and shining with emotion. Nonetheless, she took what she has learned from her writing and acting and applied it to her speaking. Within her speech, she made it evident that one must write what makes them feel out of their comfort zone.

She stated “Write the tale that scares you. That makes you feel uncertain. That isn’t comfortable. I dare you.” With that statement, she spoke volumes to the audience at the awards and around the world. She was emphasizing the importance of stepping away from the world’s light of visibility and taking a break to find out what can truly come out of one’s self when the lights are off.

Influential Woman

In Coel’s 8 years of writing and acting, she managed to appear in five films, seven television series, and seven stage performances. However, her most noticeable cinematic works are her shows such as Chewing Gum and I May Destroy You.

She has brought a spotlight on the social injustice of women of color, sexuality stereotypes, and perspectives for people that struggle to maintain a healthy and comfortable balance within our society. Her achievements in the entertainment industry have helped bring recognition for the values she stands for in her work.

Coel is currently working on Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.