Ghanaian-born British actress, director and producer Michaela-Moses Ewuraba Boakye-Collinson, known as “Michaela Coel,” who created, wrote and starred in the television series ‘Chewing Gum” and “I May Destroy You,” has won an Emmy for Best Writing in a Television Series or Movie. She became the first black woman to win this prestigious award.
A first-generation Ghanaian immigrant to the United Kingdom, Michaela Coel just won an Emmy for Best Writing in a Television Series or Movie for her work on HBO and BBC’s “I May Destroy You”.
In addition to writing, she also created, produced, directed and starred in the series “Mare of Eastown”, “The Queen’s Gambit” and three episodes of “WandaVision”, which were also nominated for the award. Michaela Coel was also nominated for best actress in a series or film.
On stage, she gave a resounding speech. “In a world that encourages us to go through the lives of others to help us better determine how we feel about ourselves, and in turn feel the need to be constantly visible, because these days, visibility somehow seems to equal success. If you are not visible for a while, don’t worry about it and see the available opportunities. I dedicate this award to every survivor of sexual assault,” she said.
The HBO limited series “I May Destroy You” was snubbed by the Golden Globes but then received six Primetime Emmy nominations.
“I May Destroy You” had accumulated all of its nominations in the stacked limited series category: best-limited series and best actress (Michaela Coel), supporting actor (Paapa Essiedu), writing (Coel) and two directorial nods (Coel and Sam Miller for the episode “Ego Death” and Sam Miller).
