Nicola Coughlan Teases Big New Project After Activism and Award Win

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On Monday, Nicola Coughlan, known for her role in “Bridgerton,” received the Commitment Award from Konbini, a French media company, during Canneseries. In addition to this recognition, she delivered a career talk lasting an hour. During this session, the Irish actress discussed not just her roles in series like “Derry Girls” and “Doctor Who,” but also expressed her advocacy for issues such as abortion rights, transgender rights, and Palestine.

The actor stated, “Silence can be beneficial in our line of work, but for me, it’s a different story. My background is deeply connected to this issue as my father served in the Irish Army, a peacekeeping force, and my family resided in Jerusalem and Syria during the 70s. When we discuss right versus wrong, when innocent lives are being affected by bombings in their homes, I cannot stay silent about that anywhere in the world.

The recipient of the award, recognized for his active role in making a significant impact beyond television, proceeded by emphasizing the historical link between Palestine and Ireland. He stated that both nations have held similar values and fought comparable battles. Regarding any nation encountering such challenges, he expressed his readiness to speak out. In his perspective, the act of harming innocent people is unjustifiable anywhere in the world.

Coughlan voiced her backing for transgender and non-binary individuals, referencing a recent video she shared to raise funds for a trans-led organization called “Not a Phase,” in light of the UK Supreme Court decision which established that the term ‘woman’ is rooted in biological sex.

She highlighted that for several years now, the rights of the LGBTQ+ community have gradually been eroded, and this decision is a clear attempt to further strip people of their rights. The judgment effectively bars transgender women from utilizing the women’s restroom, which she finds unjustified as her own experiences have shown that she has never felt threatened by a transgender woman but rather by cisgender men.

The actress herself addressed her efforts to gather funds, stating that due to a lack of corporate sponsorships, Not a Phase was facing closure and would no longer be able to aid thousands of individuals. She explained this unfortunate situation by saying that it’s no longer fashionable to back transgender people. “Thanks to the donations they receive,” she continued, “they can continue helping people.” She expressed her gratitude towards those in the room who may have contributed to her crowdfunding campaign.

Continuing the conversation, I’d like to emphasize that being an ally is more than just attending Pride events or enjoying shows like ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’. It involves stepping up as a mediator, or as some might say, becoming the buffer. It’s not just about the fun and excitement, but also about standing with people when situations get awkward or uncomfortable. This is what true allyship looks like.

As a follower, I remember vividly when “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” in its second season found its way into my life at a point when I felt my career was on the brink of stalling. It was an immense source of joy for me, something grand and unlike anything I had experienced before. It served as a powerful inspiration during a period when I was grappling with self-doubt.

Watching these queens strut their stuff, displaying such fierce confidence, was nothing short of breathtaking. If I could absorb even a fraction of that energy and apply it to my character portrayals, I thought, it would be transformative. As an actor, one must embody that level of self-assuredness.

She too expressed her feelings on the recent passing of Jiggly Caliente, a former contestant on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” She stated she is deeply saddened by the performer’s premature demise. “She brought so much laughter into my life, she was truly remarkable.

Coughlan has earned her initial BAFTA nomination for her performance in “Big Mood,” a production by her long-standing friend Camilla Whitehill. She expressed, “I’ve never had the opportunity to portray a character like this before, as she’s rather unconventional and cool in an unusual way. It’s a comedy that transitions into a drama, challenging the usual genre boundaries. She’s complex, she’s amusing.

The actress is “thrilled” about the prospect of another season of the series, yet she was more secretive regarding other upcoming ventures. In addition to filming “Bridgerton” season 4 and readying herself for “Big Mood” season 2, Coughlan hinted at a major new project that will be announced tomorrow, without disclosing additional information. Playfully addressing the eager crowd, she said, “You’ll only have to wait less than a day.” We’ll find out soon enough.

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2025-04-28 21:16