Autumn Durald Arkapaw Becomes First Woman to Win Best Cinematography at Oscars
Autumn Durald Arkapaw Becomes First Woman to Win Best Cinematography at Oscars
Autumn Durald Arkapaw wins Best Cinematography for Sinners, marking a historic milestone as the first woman—and among the first people of color—to claim the Oscar in this category.
Autumn Durald Arkapaw has carved her name into Oscar history by becoming the first woman to win the Best Cinematography trophy. The 46-year-old American clinched the prize at the 98th Academy Awards on Monday, March 16, 2026, for Ryan Coogler’s film Sinners. Her win is celebrated as a landmark moment for women behind the camera, with reports noting she is also the first person of color to take the award in this category.
Arkapaw’s career spans high-profile projects such as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, The Last Showgirl, and a Rihanna music video. Her journey—from studying art history at Loyola Marymount University to honing her craft at the American Film Institute—highlights how a background in photography helped shape a distinctive cinematography voice. She has spoken about the importance of seeing diverse role models in large-format work, suggesting that representation can inspire the next generation of female filmmakers.
The film Sinners was already noted for its historical significance in cinematography, including Arkapaw’s use of IMAX film, a format she had explored on set even before this project. The win also comes in a year when the Oscars highlighted bold storytelling and technical excellence. In related awards coverage, Paul Thomas Anderson took Best Director for One Battle After Another, and the ceremony acknowledged other standout achievements across the night.
Arkapaw’s victory is widely interpreted as a step forward for inclusivity in Hollywood’s most technical field, with industry observers predicting lasting inspiration for aspiring cinematographers who previously believed such milestones were out of reach. Her success underscores a broader shift toward recognizing the contributions of women and people of color in all facets of filmmaking.
