Michaela Coel was nominated in four categories last night for her work in I May Destroy You, for Outstanding Limited Series, Lead Actress, Writing and Directing. She won for Writing, which was a long time coming. The directing Emmy went to Scott Frank for Queen’s Gambit. Frank’s speech came right before Coel’s win. He went on interminably and insisted on reading a printed sheet, in full, despite being played off by the music several times. In contrast Coel’s speech was so poignant and well written. She knew the assignment and kept it short and impactful, with advice for writers to work on what scares us and not to be afraid to disappear. She ended by saying “I dedicate this story to every single survivor of sexual assault.” You can see her acceptance speech below.
Coel was in a bright yellow Christopher John Rogers gown featuring a bandeau top, pencil skirt and matching pumps. I love how the bustline is wavy and slightly asymmetric. It fit her like a glove and it really popped on camera.
Coel was seated next to Cynthia Erivo, who gave her support when she won. Cynthia was in Louis Vuitton, in a white tank dress that ended with green, blue and white rows of feathers. There’s something muppet-like about the pattern, but she looks incredible. The clean lines in the top of her gown really make her jewelry pop.
Loved I may destroy you. But also I think the queens gambit guy deserved his win as well. And cynthia’s dress as well. Cole’s is ok, kind of sloppier than she deserves.
I love her look and am so happy she won. I loved “I May Destroy You” as well. It had some very powerful writing.
Coel looks amazing and congrats to her for a well-deserved win. If I wanted to nitpick I’d say, not a fan of the trailing bits in the back, longer earrings and no necklace, and the shoes draw my eyes away from how well the dress fits her.
Someone needs to bring a fire extinguisher because these women as so hot the room might burst into flames.
Yayyyyy Michaela!!!
Its important to note this win is historic! Shes the first Black woman to win in this category EVER!
Michaela Coel must be protected at all cost. She is an inspiring person, very aware of the pitfalls of the industry and with a huge talent for storytelling. That colour is vibrant against her glorious skin.
Coel looked incredible and gave a wonderful speech. I’m going to try to watch I May Destroy You this year; I’ve heard such great things about it.
The Queen’s Gambit director should feel ashamed of how he behaved, but his white dude privilege probably blocks that. What made him think he was more deserving of a long speech than his colleagues? You’re not sticking it to the man by telling them to stop playing you off, you’re taking time away from your peers.
Thank you! That director was So boring. I liked Queen’s Gambit okay but listening to that boring speech and then reflecting on how he behaved made me like it less since he was a part of it.
I was so happy to see that Michaela won an Emmy! Her show was so good, and she’s a brilliant writer and actor. I look forward to anything she does next.
Normally I dislike that color, but wow does it work on her. She is so elegant and strikingly beautiful.
Haven’t found the courage to watch I may destroy you yet, buy I’m glad she won!
And her styling is great, not many people can pull off bright/neon yellow.
Happy she won. I May Destroy you was really intense. Actually couldn’t finish watching it, was too much. I’ll try to finish it at a later point but it was tense viewing. She definitely deserved all the awards for it, and looked gorgeous while doing it.
I think Michaela Coel had the most striking and fabulous look of the night, although I think a different sandal could have lifted it even more. She looks magnificent. Congrats too for the well-deserved win.
Yay! Was so happy she won for something! Well deserved.