The Atlantic

The Quietest Emmys Speech Was the Loudest

After winning her award, Michaela Coel delivered the rare message meant for those outside the glitzy room in which she stood.
Source: Cliff Lipson / CBS / Getty

When the camera turned to Michaela Coel after she won an Emmy for limited-series writing, she looked overwhelmed. The creator, star, writer, and co-director of kept her head down, her shoulders slouched. Next to her, Coel’s former co-star Cynthia Erivo whispered something into her ear—a pep talk, maybe. But for a few seconds, Coel remained still, as if the weight of her first, Emmy win might keep her

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