Entertainment
Michaela Coel thanks #MeToo pioneer Tarana Burke as she sweeps RTS Awards with three wins for I May Destroy You
Michaela Coel was among the big winners at the RTS Programme Awards 2021, thanks to her hit series, I May Destroy You.
The 33-year-old, who starred as Arabella Essiedu, took home three gongs on the night for the BBC one series, which was celebrated around the world.
The actress, screenwriter and director came out on top in all three categories the show was named in, winning best actress, best drama writer and best mini-series.
‘Thank you so much RTS for this award, this is for writing,’ she began her acceptance speech via a videocall.
‘Writing alone, as I do, means there is little time for anything else.’
After praising studio bosses, she turned her attention to Tarana Burke, ‘the pioneer of the #MeToo movement’.
‘Sexual assault is at the forefront of public discourse,’ Michaela continued. ‘I suspect her bravery and resilience may have contributed to the bravery and resilience I mustered to write these scripts, that broadcasters and producers mustered up to support me through an unusual and difficult process.
‘And finally, the bravery and resilience the audience gathered up to take in my show and take in their own lives in the process, gathering the shattered pieces of their own painful memories, placing the pieces together and finally recognising their own trauma,
‘Writing is a form of communication and I am so thankful to feel your response, to know I have been seen and heard. Thank you.’
It was also a huge night for Russell T. Davies, who was honoured with the outstanding achievement award, thanks to his Channel 4 series, It’s A Sin.
Comedian Joe Lycett had a successful evening at the RTS awards, scooping two gongs on the night for best presenter – thanks to The Great British Sewing Bee – as well as best formatted popular factual for Joe Lycett’s Got Your Back.
Mae Martin also took two trophies with her comedy series, Feel Good, banning her the breakthrough award, and she was given the award for best comedy writer with Joe Hampson.
Loose Women was named best daytime programme, while Shaun Parkes was awarded best actor for Small Axe.
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