Michaela Coel won an Emmy for her fiercely powerful drama I May Destroy You which she created, directed and starred in. She is the first Black woman to win an Emmy for writing for a limited series, which earned nine Emmy nominations. Her stunning 30-second acceptance speech offers remarkable counsel to writers and artists longing to make truly meaningful work.
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.
In just 83 words, Coel describes the insidious norm that so easily diverts us from bringing forth our true voice. She affirms a simple, radical act to regain the focus and freedom necessary to find it.
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