Oscars 2026: Autumn Durald Arkapaw becomes first woman to win Best Cinematography for Sinners

In a historic moment at the 98th Academy Awards, cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman ever to win the Oscar for Best Cinematography, taking home the award for her work on the film Sinners.

The win broke a 98-year streak of male winners in the category, making Arkapaw’s victory one of the most significant milestones in Oscars history.

Her work on the film, directed by Ryan Coogler, had already been widely praised throughout the awards season, earning recognition from critics groups and industry bodies before the Oscars.

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A historic moment for cinematography

Before Arkapaw’s win, only three women had ever been nominated for the Best Cinematography Oscar- Rachel Morrison (Mudbound), Ari Wegner (The Power of the Dog), and Mandy Walker (Elvis).

Her victory therefore marked a major breakthrough for women in one of filmmaking’s most technically demanding and historically male-dominated fields.

Arkapaw is also the first woman of colour to win the award, further highlighting the significance of the moment for representation in Hollywood.

Autumn Durald Arkapaw’s Oscar speech

Taking the stage to accept the award, Arkapaw delivered an emotional speech acknowledging the women who supported her journey in the industry. She also invited women in the audience to stand in solidarity.

She took over the stage and said, “I want to thank the Academy for this incredible honour. I share this with the incredible cast and crew of Sinners, and with our fearless leader Ryan Coogler."

She added, “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 have felt so much love from all the women on this whole campaign and 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. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the women who came before me and the women who stand beside me today. If there are any women in the room who work in cinematography, camera, lighting, or who dream of doing it, please stand up with me. This moment belongs to all of us.”

The moment prompted applause inside the theatre as many women in the audience rose to their feet in support.

A breakthrough night for Sinners

Arkapaw’s win was part of a strong night for Sinners, which had entered the Oscars with a record 16 nominations, the most ever for a single film in Academy Awards history.

The film ultimately secured multiple awards, including Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan, cementing its place as one of the standout films of the ceremony.

For many viewers, however, Arkapaw’s historic victory stood out as one of the most memorable moments of the night, a long-overdue milestone for women behind the camera.