Autumn Durald Arkapaw Makes History as Cinematographer for ‘Sinners’

Autumn Durald Arkapaw, the cinematographer behind Ryan Coogler’s vampire horror film ‘Sinners,’ has made history by becoming the first woman of color ever nominated for cinematography at both the BAFTAs and Oscars. She is also among the few women to receive a nomination in this field overall. Filming in the intense heat and humidity of the southern United States presented challenges such as swarming bugs and exposure to staged blood effects, which she navigated to ensure the visuals felt authentic. Durald Arkapaw emphasized the importance of being immersed in the scene, stating that if it feels real to her behind the camera, it will resonate with the audience. She credits director Ryan Coogler for advocating for women in film, noting that her department heads were all women who became like sisters to her. The cinematographer acknowledges the gender disparity in her field, describing it as a ‘boys’ club’ due to limited opportunities for women, though she remains optimistic about inspiring young girls to pursue cinematography. While an Oscar win would make her the first woman ever to receive the award for cinematography, she considers her nomination alone a significant achievement, affirming, ‘I’m already a winner.’