Nigeria: Oscars 2026 - First Woman and Woman of Colour to Win Best Cinematographer Award

17 March 2026
Leadership (Abuja)
By Leadership News

'Sinners' Director of Photography, Autumn Durald Arkapaw, is the first woman and the first back woman to win the Best Cinematographer Award at the Oscars.

Arkapaw beat 'Marty Supreme's' Darius Khondji, 'One Battle After Another's' Michael Bauman, and 'Train Dreams' Adolpho Veloso to nab the award.

Her work in the film ('Sinners') also earned her nominations at the BAFTA, Critics' Choice, and American Cinematographers awards.

Before 'Sinners', she had worked with Ryan Coogler in 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever'.

She is only the fourth woman to be nominated for the category at the Oscars. Previous nominees for the award include Rachael Morrison for 'Mudbound', Ari Wenger for 'The Power of the Dog', and Mandy Walker for 'Elvis'.

Upon receiving the award, Arkapaw thanked the cast and crew of the 'Sinners', while urging all the women in the room to rise to their feet, noting that she wouldn't be there if it weren't for them.

Read the original article on Leadership.

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