In a groundbreaking moment at the 98th Academy Awards held on March 16, 2026, Autumn Durald Arkapaw was awarded the Oscar for best cinematography for her work on the film Sinners. This achievement makes her the first woman and the first woman of color to win this prestigious award, a significant milestone in the history of the Academy Awards.
Durald’s win is particularly notable as she is only the fourth woman ever nominated for the best cinematography category. Her innovative approach to cinematography, utilizing 65mm film and IMAX 15-perf and Ultra Panavision 70 cameras, has been praised for its cultural expression and visual storytelling.
During her acceptance speech, Durald expressed gratitude to the women in the audience, stating, “I really want all the women in the room to stand up, because I [wouldn’t be] here without you guys.” This sentiment underscores the importance of representation in the film industry.
Previously, Durald collaborated with acclaimed director Ryan Coogler on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, further establishing her reputation as a talented cinematographer. Her work on Sinners, which was filmed over 66 days, has been recognized for its artistic depth and cultural significance.
Notably, Durald’s family background has influenced her work; her father is Black Creole and her mother is Filipina. Her grandfather, Guillermo Pagan Bautista, played a significant role in her upbringing, inspiring her passion for storytelling through film.
In her acceptance speech, Durald also highlighted the importance of collaboration in filmmaking, saying, “It’s important that he’s a part of this and that he can be here with me and see all the hard work that goes into making these films.” This reflects her commitment to acknowledging the contributions of her team.
The film Sinners has been described as delivering a unique narrative experience, transitioning from a juke joint in the woods to an unexpected encounter with Irish folk music vampires. Durald’s cinematography plays a crucial role in enhancing this storytelling.
Durald’s Oscar win is seen as a landmark for women and people of color in cinematography, paving the way for future generations of filmmakers. Her family’s roots in Louisiana, where Sinners was filmed, further connect her work to her heritage.
This historic win has garnered widespread acclaim and sparked discussions about diversity and representation in Hollywood, highlighting the ongoing need for inclusivity in the film industry.
As the film community celebrates Durald’s achievement, it serves as a reminder of the progress being made and the work that still lies ahead in achieving equality in the arts.
