Filipino-American cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as the first woman of color to win best cinematography for the critically acclaimed film "Sinners" at the 98th Academy Awards, held in Los Angeles on March 16.
Filipino-American cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw (Instagram)
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," according to Variety.
For the best cinematography, Autumn beat Adolpho Veloso (“Train Dreams”), Michael Bauman (“One Battle After Another, Dan Laustsen (“Frankenstein”), and Darius Khondji (“Marty Supreme”).
"I'm so honored to be here, and I really want all the women in the room to stand up. Because I feel like I don't get here without you guys. I really, really truly mean that. I have felt so much love from all the women on this whole campaign and have gotten to meet so many people, and I just feel like moments like this happen because of you guys, and I want to thank you for that," said Autumn in her acceptance speech.
According to Variety, after her historic nomination, Autumn said she wasn’t sure if the moment had fully sunk in yet.
“You’re rooting on the sidelines for your family that you made the film with that meant so much to you, and you can only hope that people are recognized, but it’s not your main goal.”
“To have other people, like young girls and boys see you out there, speaking about what you do and showing them that it matters, that’s been really fun," she said.
Autumn added, “I thought how special it would be for in the future someone to look up this nomination, because I’m the fourth woman. And I know the ones that came before me.”
Filipino-American cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw holds her trophy at the 98th Oscar Awards in Los Angeles. (Associated Press)
She praised director Ryan Coogler for elevating women in his films. In "Sinners," Hannah Beachler served as production designer and Ruth E. Carter designed the costumes.
“I’m honored that it’s happening with Ryan and for this particular film, and what this story is, because it’s not just for me, it’s not just getting a nomination, it’s what was it for, and who was it with, and so that’s so special to me, It’s very suited that it is Ryan, because that’s how he is. He believes in you so much and on the highest level, with or without accolades," Autumn said.
Prior, Autumn said that she was looking forward to bringing her young son to the Oscars. “My son can go because he’s that age. So that’s going to be fun for me, just seeing his reaction to all of this, and just seeing his little face react to all of this stuff. Because, you know, when we make these films, I have to be away. And I think for him to see what that culminates to is really special."
"Sinners," which grossed $368 million worldwide, now holds the record for the most Oscar nominations at 16.
Born in Oxnard, California, to a Filipino mom and an African-American Creole father, Autumn grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Autumn attended Loyola Marymount University and took up art history. Later, she graduated from the AFI Conservatory's cinematography program in 2009. Following her graduation, she worked in advertising and then as a camera assistant on films. In 2022, she became a member of the American Society of Cinematographers.
Autumn, 46, debuted as a cinematographer in the TV series "On the Road in America" in 2007. Her recent notable works include "The Last Showgirl," "The Kick of Destiny," "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," "Nike: Play New," and Rihanna's music video "Lift Me Up."
