Autumn Durald Arkapaw has secured her place in the annals of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. With the announcement of the 98th Oscar nominations, Arkapaw became the first woman of color ever nominated for Best Cinematography. Her work on Ryan Coogler’s Sinners—a film that now holds the all-time record with 16 nominations—places her among a very short list of women recognized in the category’s history.
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Arkapaw, who is of Filipino and Creole descent, is only the fourth woman to receive this nod. She follows in the footsteps of Rachel Morrison, Ari Wegner, and Mandy Walker. While women have moved into many leadership roles on set, the cinematography branch has remained a notoriously difficult glass ceiling to crack.
Speaking to Variety shortly after the announcement, Arkapaw reflected on the weight of the moment. “I thought how special it would be for in the future someone to look up this nomination, because I’m the fourth woman,” she said. “And I know the ones that came before me.”
A Technical and Cultural Milestone
The nomination is as much a technical feat as it is a cultural one. For Sinners, Arkapaw became the first female cinematographer to utilize the Imax 65mm and Ultra Panavision formats. These tools allowed her to capture the film’s “Piercing the Veil” sequence—a complex, surreal transition involving burning roofs, Steadicam work, and a 50-foot technocrane.
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For Arkapaw, the project was also personal. With family roots in New Orleans, the film’s setting felt familiar. “There’s a lot of meaning in it and you want to make your ancestors proud,” she told the LA Times. She also noted that all the heads of department on the film are women of color, including production designer Hannah Beachler and costume designer Ruth E. Carter. “Now being a part of that group, I feel very honored, especially for a film like this,” she added.
The Coogler Partnership
This film marks the second time Arkapaw has teamed up with director Ryan Coogler, following their work on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Arkapaw credits Coogler with creating an environment where diverse talent can thrive at the highest level. “It’s very suited that it is Ryan, because that’s how he is,” she said. “He believes in you so much and on the highest level, with or without accolades.”
As the industry prepares for the ceremony on March 15, 2026, Arkapaw is already looking toward the future impact of her nomination. She hopes that “young girls and boys see you out there, speaking about what you do and showing them that it matters.” For her, the nomination represents more than a personal win; it is an open door for the next generation of filmmakers of similar heritage to see themselves behind the lens.
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