Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history at the 2026 Oscars, becoming the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Cinematography. Her groundbreaking win, announced on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, recognizes her stunning work on the film “Sinners.”
Durald Arkapaw is also the first Black woman to receive the honor, marking a significant milestone for representation in the film industry. The win is particularly noteworthy as it comes after decades of female cinematographers being overlooked by the Academy.
“Sinners,” directed by Ryan Coogler, is a story set in 1930s Mississippi, exploring themes of vampires, blues music, and cultural appropriation. Durald Arkapaw’s cinematography captured both the gritty realism and the fantastical elements of the film, notably utilizing the large Imax 65mm and Ultra Panavision formats for the first time by a woman.
During her acceptance speech, Durald Arkapaw acknowledged the women who paved the way for her, specifically thanking Rachel Morrison, who was nominated in 2018 for “Mudbound.” She also recognized Ari Wegner, nominated for “The Power of the Dog” in 2021, and Mandy Walker, nominated for “Elvis” in 2022.
In a powerful moment, Durald Arkapaw invited all the women in the Dolby Theatre to stand, stating, “I don’t get here without you guys.” She expressed gratitude for the support she received from women throughout the campaign for the award.
According to reports, Coogler was seen rushing to bring Durald Arkapaw’s young son closer to the stage as she accepted the award. The win for “Sinners” adds to the film’s momentum following a racially charged incident at the BAFTAs and major wins at the Actor Awards.
Durald Arkapaw triumphed over fellow nominees Dan Laustsen (“Frankenstein”), Darius Khondji (“Marty Supreme”), Michael Bauman (“One Battle After Another”), and Adolpho Veloso (“Train Dreams”).
