It’s another one for the history books!
Ryan Coogler became the first Black person to win the BAFTA Award for Best Original Screenplay at Sunday night’s 79th British Academy Film Awards in London. His latest masterpiece, Sinners, took home three awards total, making it the most decorated film by a Black director in BAFTA history.
In addition to Coogler’s screenplay win, Wunmi Mosaku won Best Supporting Actress for her role as hoodoo warrior Annie, and Ludwig Göransson took home Best Original Score. The film’s 13 nominations also set a record as the most ever for a film directed by a Black filmmaker, surpassing Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave.
When Coogler took the stage, his reaction captured his authenticity.
“I didn’t expect that. This is nerve-wracking,” he told the crowd before turning his attention to the next generation of storytellers. “I come from a community that loves me. They made me believe that I could do this, that I could be a writer. For all the writers out there, when y’all look at that blank page, think of who you love, think of anybody who you’ve seen in pain that you identify with and wish they felt better, and let that love motivate you.”
Mosaku’s win drew one of the night’s biggest cheers. The Manchester-born, Nigerian-British actress spoke about finding herself in her character and the ancestral power that fueled the role. “It always feels good when you feel like your story and your experience is being represented with integrity and creativity,” she said. Adding that seeing the response from Black women who felt “seen, loved, valued, treasured” through her performance moved her deeply.
Since its release in April 2025, Sinners has grossed $369 million worldwide and earned a record-breaking 16 Oscar nominations, the most in Academy history. Coogler also negotiated an unprecedented deal with Warner Bros. that includes full ownership reversion of the film after 25 years, ensuring the story stays in his hands.
The 98th Academy Awards are set for March 15. And if Sunday night was any indication, the best is yet to come!
