British Ghanaian actress Michaela Coel, who is known for works like “I May Destroy You” and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” has been named the recipient of the Pandora Leader of Change Award at this year’s Fashion Awards, which is due to take place on Monday at the Royal Albert Hall.
The award will be presented to her by Pandora ambassador Pamela Anderson. Pandora is the headline sponsor of the annual fundraising fashion extravaganza this year.
The prize was created to celebrate those who lead with innovation to create positive change globally, and consistently challenge the status quo.
Coel said she is “thankful and surprised to be honored in such a way.”
Caroline Rush, chief executive officer at the British Fashion Council, called Coel “a true innovator who fearlessly delves into the reality of being a female while spotlighting those from oppressed and marginalized backgrounds.”
“Coel’s visionary storytelling and wholehearted dedication to authentic representation has empowered audiences globally and paved the way for a more diverse and inclusive entertainment industry,” Rush added.
Mary Carmen Gasco-Buisson, chief marketing officer at Pandora, noted that Coel is “the epitome of what the Pandora Leader of Change Award represents.”
“She has used her platform to give a voice to those who need it the most and to move the world through her creative expression. Her work has made a significant, enduring impact in support of women and underrepresented groups, driving a deep-seated commitment to authentically redefine representation. With this award, we are not only celebrating an artist but a visionary force,” Gasco-Buisson said.
The Fashion Awards is the primary fundraiser for the BFC Foundation. The event aims to spotlight creative talent, and examine the past year in fashion through the lens of “purpose, excellence and creativity.”
The BFC Foundation is a charity that supports, education, grant-giving and business mentoring. In fiscal 2022-23, the BFC said it remitted more than 1.2 million pounds in funds to designers and scholars.