![]() ![]() Even now after the murder of George Floyd and Black Lives Matter, many people tell me on twitter and social media to stop whining, that racism no longer exists in the 21st Century and they will say perhaps Michaela’s work just wasn’t good enough to be nominated. Before social media there was nowhere to discuss and show people these micro aggressions and systemic racism. ![]() I have had this experience my whole career as well. Coel hasn’t been recognised not because of her lack of talent or connection with the huge global audience, which her work touched and inspired, but because of a handful of old gatekeepers and her melanin levels. ‘I May Destroy You’ even made President Barack Obama’s must watch lockdown list, which is why the Golden Globes snub is so painful. I was really proud of Erivo when she declined, in my opinion it was a modern day offer to shuck ’n jive. British actress Cynthia Erivo’s performance in the title role of Harriet Tubman was snubbed at the BAFTAS last year but they asked her to come and sing at the awards, as a rather distasteful consolation prize. It’s as if you can only win at these award shows only in one vein and with one narrative. ’12 years a Slave’ won Lupita Nyong’o, a well deserved Oscar but stories and performances of power and triumph like the movies Harriet and Selma are never rewarded. I always feel black actors and artists are rewarded for being tragic or overcoming being downtrodden. Coel’s snub doesn’t shock me but it does irritate, anger and trigger me. Coel’s tour de force, which she wrote and starred in based on her own experiences, tackles the much under represented themes of drug assisted rape, consent, healing, survival and friendship. It’s award season folks and hands up who like me, isn’t shocked that the genius that is Michaela Coel wasn’t nominated for a Golden Globe in her fearless work ‘ I May Destroy You’. ![]()
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