World • 8h ago
Autumn Durald Arkapaw becomes first woman to win best cinematography at Oscars
**Naija's Sister Makes History at the Oscars**
On Sunday night, a remarkable achievement shook the film industry when Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history by becoming the first woman to win the prestigious Academy Award for Best Cinematography at the 96th Oscars. Her remarkable achievement came for her outstanding work on the film "Sinners," a Southern gothic, genre-bending movie directed by Ryan Coogler.
Arkapaw's historic win did not go unnoticed, and she dedicated her victory to the women who have been instrumental in her success. In her emotional acceptance speech, she asked all the women in the room to stand up, saying, "I don't get here without you." Arkapaw emphasized the importance of the support she has received from women throughout her career, acknowledging the significant role they have played in her journey to the top.
This achievement also marked a significant milestone for the Black community, as Arkapaw became the first Black cinematographer to win the award. Her collaboration with director Ryan Coogler on "Sinners" was groundbreaking in itself, as they successfully combined two large film formats - Ultra Panavision 70 and Imax - in a feature film for the first time.
Coogler's support for Arkapaw was apparent in her acceptance speech, as she expressed gratitude for his faith in her abilities and his trust in her as a cinematographer. The two have worked together before, on the Marvel film "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" in 2022.
Arkapaw's win is a testament to her dedication and hard work in the film industry. She has previously worked on notable films such as "The Last Showgirl" and "Teen Spirit." Her achievement has paved the way for future generations of women in film, inspiring them to pursue careers in cinematography and other behind-the-scenes roles.
This historic win serves as a reminder that with hard work, determination, and the right support, anything is possible. As Arkapaw's achievement shows, success knows no bounds, and Naija can take pride in knowing that a sister has made history in the global film industry.