Sinners achieved a major milestone after securing victories in two key categories at the 2026 Oscars. The film earned Best Actor and Best Cinematography, with Michael B. Jordan and Autumn Durald Arkapaw both making history through their victories.
Sinners’ Michael B. Jordan and Autumn Durald create history after Oscar wins
The team behind Sinners delivered a historic night at the Oscars, with major wins that marked significant milestones in Oscar history. Actor Michael B. Jordan and cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw both secured major victories for their work on the film, adding new chapters to Oscar history.
Jordan received the Best Actor award for his performance in Sinners, marking the first Oscar of his career. In the film directed by Ryan Coogler, the actor portrays twin brothers Smoke and Stack. The two characters differ sharply in personality and outlook, with Smoke depicted as more calculated and composed. Meanwhile, Stack’s bold and impulsive nature often places brothers in conflict.
The performance also placed Jordan in a rare position in Oscar history. His victory made him the first actor since Lee Marvin to win the award for portraying more than one character in the same film. Marvin previously achieved the distinction decades earlier, making Jordan’s recognition a notable addition.
The film also delivered a major milestone in the cinematography category. Autumn Durald Arkapaw won the Best Cinematography Oscar, becoming the first woman to receive the honor. She also became the first woman of color to win in the category. Arkapaw, who is of Filipino and African American Creole descent, had already broken ground during the film’s production as the first female cinematographer to shoot a project using IMAX 65mm and Ultra Panavision formats.
During her acceptance speech, Arkapaw thanked director Coogler for his support and for trusting her with the film. She also acknowledged cinematographer Rachel Morrison, who had previously made history as one of the few women nominated in the category.
Sinners performed strongly overall at the ceremony, earning 16 nominations.
Originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari on ComingSoon.
