Sinners’ Autumn Durald Arkapaw Is First Woman And First Black Person To Win Best Cinematography Oscar

Autumn Durald Arkapaw has become the first woman — and the first black person — to win the Oscar for best cinematography at the 98th Academy Awards now under way in Los Angeles. The cinematographer accepted the honor for her work on Sinners and used her speech to recognise the women who helped her career.

Autumn Durald Arkapaw’s Historic Oscar Win

The win marks a milestone in a category that has rarely recognised women. Durald is only the fourth woman ever nominated for the award and is the first woman of colour to take the prize. Her victory came over nominees including Darius Khondji for Marty Supreme, Michael Bauman for One Battle After Another, and Adolpho Veloso for Train Dreams.

Acceptance Speech And The Moment In The Room

In her acceptance speech, Durald thanked the cast, crew and her family. She also asked all the women in the room to rise, telling the audience she would not be there without them. The request and her remarks were delivered as she accepted the Oscar onstage.

Career Context: Nominations And Prior Recognition

Durald had previously worked with Sinners’ director on a high-profile superhero sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Before the Oscars, she had won a number of critics awards for Sinners’ cinematography and had been nominated at the Baftas, Critics Choice and the American Society of Cinematographers awards. Earlier women who reached nomination in this category include Rachel Morrison for Mudbound, Ari Wegner for The Power of the Dog and Mandy Walker for Elvis.

This result changes the historical record for the Academy’s best cinematography prize and brings to the fore conversations about recognition in a branch that has seen few women nominees. Durald’s win closes this year’s coverage with a landmark outcome and follows a run of awards-season attention for her work on Sinners.