Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history at the 98th Academy Awards after winning Best Cinematography for her work on the film Sinners, becoming the first woman ever to receive the prestigious honor.
Her groundbreaking achievement also marks the first time a Black cinematographer has won the award in the history of the Oscars.
Historic Achievement for Cinematography
Durald Arkapaw’s work on Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, was widely praised for its bold visual storytelling and technical innovation. The Southern Gothic film stood out during awards season for its distinctive cinematic style and ambitious production approach.
During her acceptance speech, Durald Arkapaw invited all women in the audience to stand, expressing gratitude for the support she received throughout the film’s awards campaign.
She told the audience that the milestone was possible because of the women who supported and inspired her throughout her career.
Innovative Filmmaking Techniques
Sinners pushed the boundaries of modern cinematography by becoming the first feature film shot entirely using two large-format systems — Ultra Panavision 70 and IMAX.
The project also marked another milestone: Durald Arkapaw became the first female cinematographer to shoot a feature film using IMAX 65mm or any 65mm format, according to the American Society of Cinematographers.
The unique visual approach helped create the film’s immersive look, which critics say played a key role in its critical and commercial success.
A Long Road to Recognition
Before Durald Arkapaw’s victory, only three women had ever been nominated for the Academy Award in cinematography: Rachel Morrison for Mudbound, Ari Wegner for The Power of the Dog, and Mandy Walker for Elvis.
Her win represents a major milestone for diversity and representation in one of the film industry’s most technically demanding roles.
Collaboration With Ryan Coogler
Durald Arkapaw previously collaborated with Coogler on the Marvel blockbuster Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, further strengthening their creative partnership.
Beyond Sinners, she has built a strong reputation for her work on films such as The Last Showgirl and Teen Spirit.
With her historic Oscar win, Durald Arkapaw’s achievement is being celebrated across the film industry as a major step forward for women and underrepresented creatives in cinematography.
