Los Angeles, Feb 25 (.) American cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapow’s work on Ryan Coogler’s Sinners has garnered an Academy Award nomination, making her the first woman of colour ever recognised in the cinematography category.
In the history of the category, no woman has ever won the Oscar for cinematography, and only three women have ever been nominated: Rachel Morrison in 2018 for “Mudbound,” Ari Wegner in 2021 for “The Power of the Dog” and Mandy Walker in 2022 for “Elvis.” Arkapaw now stands as the fourth woman to enter that rarefied group.
Arkapaw, who is of Filipino and Creole descent, has been nominated alongside Adolpho Veloso (“Train Dreams”), Michael Bauman (“One Battle After Another,” Dan Laustsen (“Frankenstein”) and Darius Khondji (“Marty Supreme”), according to VARIETY.
“I thought how special it would be for someone in the future to look up this nomination, because I’m the fourth woman. And I know the ones that came before me,” she says.
With Arkapaw’s work drawing attention, she expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to continue opening doors for more representation in cinematography and to be an inspiration for female cinematographers.
“It means the world when young girls, or film students of similar heritage, come up to me and express their gratitude, not just for the work, but for the fact that they can see someone like themselves behind the camera.”
Her experience of working with Coogler on Sinners further amplified that sense of purpose. She describes the filmmaker as an ardent advocate for elevating women, particularly women of color, across all creative departments.
Those department heads include costume designer Ruth E. Carter, production designer Hannah Beachler and hair designer Shunika Terry. All landed Oscar nominations. Arkapaw goes on to say, “He believes in you so much and on the highest level, with or without accolades, he’s there for you.” . . .