Autumn Durald Arkapaw Makes History as First Woman to Win Oscar for Cinematography

At the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, Autumn Durald Arkapaw cemented her place in film history, becoming the first woman to win the Oscar for Best Cinematography. Her groundbreaking work on Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” earned her the prestigious award, marking a significant milestone for female representation in the field.

A Historic Win for Representation

Durald Arkapaw’s win is particularly noteworthy as she is only the fourth woman ever nominated in the Best Cinematography category. Previous nominees include Rachel Morrison for “Mudbound” (2018), Ari Wegner for “The Power of the Dog” (2022) and Mandy Walker for “Elvis” (2023). She is too the first Black cinematographer to receive this honor.

“Sinners” and Collaboration with Ryan Coogler

The award recognizes Durald Arkapaw’s exceptional cinematography in “Sinners,” a film described as a powerful meditation on Black music, cultural appropriation, and history. This is not the first time Durald Arkapaw has collaborated with director Ryan Coogler; she previously worked with him on “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” During her acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude for Coogler’s trust and belief in her vision, stating, “Thank you for believing in me, and thank you for trusting me. And that’s the kind of guy I get to produce films with.”

A Moment of Solidarity

Durald Arkapaw’s acceptance speech included a powerful moment of solidarity, as she asked all the women in the theater to stand up. She acknowledged the support she received from women throughout the campaign and honored the female trailblazers who paved the way for her success, saying, “I have felt so much love from all the women on this whole campaign and gotten to meet so many people, and I just feel like moments like this happen as of you guys.”

Recognition and Awards Season Success

Prior to the Oscars, Durald Arkapaw had already garnered significant recognition for her work on “Sinners,” receiving numerous critics’ awards and nominations at the Baftas, Critics Choice Awards, and American Society of Cinematographers Awards.

Beyond Cinematography: Michael B. Jordan’s Win

The night was also a success for “Sinners” star Michael B. Jordan, who won the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of the identical brothers Smoke and Stack.

Impact and Inspiration

Durald Arkapaw expressed hope that her win would inspire future generations, stating, “A lot of little girls who look like me will sleep well tonight because they’ll want to become cinematographers.” Her historic achievement is expected to encourage greater diversity and inclusion within the film industry.