The 98th Academy Awards concluded last night with a resounding celebration of cinematic artistry, but the evening belonged, in many ways, to Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler. A spontaneous, electrifying performance by Miles Caton, Buddy Guy, Shaboozey, and Misty Copeland – a recreation of the juke joint scene from their critically acclaimed film, Sinners, set to “I Lied to You” – foreshadowed the film’s dominant performance, solidifying its place in Academy Award history.
Live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the awards ceremony recognized achievements across a spectrum of filmmaking disciplines. However, it was the emotional resonance of Sinners, and the powerful narratives of its creators, that captivated the audience and dominated the headlines.
Michael B. Jordan’s Historic Win and Gratitude
Adrien Brody presented the coveted Best Actor award, and Michael B. Jordan delivered a deeply moving acceptance speech. This marked his first Academy Award, a culmination of years of dedication and impactful performances. Jordan immediately acknowledged his long-time collaborator, Ryan Coogler, stating, “You gave me the opportunity and space for me to be seen.” He emphasized the profound impact of Coogler’s vision in bringing Sinners to life.
Jordan continued, expressing heartfelt gratitude to his supporters. “I want to thank everybody in this room and everybody at home for supporting me over my career. I feel it. I know you guys want me to do well, and I want to do that because you guys bet on me.” He pledged to continue striving for excellence, adding, “I’m going to keep stepping up and being the best version of myself.” He acknowledged the collective effort that made Sinners a success, stating, “You guys made this movie what it is.”
Ryan Coogler’s Triumph and a Message to Family
The accolades continued for Coogler, who secured the Best Original Screenplay award for Sinners. Receiving a standing ovation, the first-time Oscar winner dedicated his win to the entire cast and crew, declaring them “winners in my book.” He then turned his attention to his personal life, recognizing his wife and collaborator, Zinzi Coogler, and his parents and children for their unwavering support.
“You’re the best wife and mom in the world. Every day I get to spend with you is better than the one that came before,” Coogler shared. He expressed deep appreciation for his parents, acknowledging their role in fostering his self-belief. In a particularly poignant moment, he addressed his children, apologizing for his time away and emphasizing the importance of family and lasting memories. “When Dad becomes a memory, I want y’all to remember this one thing – I love y’all more than anything.”
Breaking Barriers: Autumn Durald Arkapaw’s Groundbreaking Win
Autumn Durald Arkapaw etched her name in Academy Award history, becoming the first woman to win the Best Cinematography award. Her achievement is even more significant as she is the first woman of color to receive this honor. Arkapaw graciously credited Coogler for his trust and belief in her artistic vision. “Thank you for believing in me and for trusting me,” she said. “That’s the kind of guy that I get to make films with. He’s a very honorable person, and I feel like I had to meet him.”
The Sinners team further solidified their success with a win for Best Original Score.
But Sinners wasn’t the only film celebrated. The night also honored achievements in other compelling works. What does this sweep by Sinners signify for the future of representation and storytelling in Hollywood? And how will this historic win influence the careers of these talented individuals?
Complete List of 98th Academy Award Winners
Here’s a comprehensive list of the night’s winners:
- Best Picture: Adam Somner, Sara Murphy and Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another
- Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another
- Actress in a Leading Role: Jessie Buckley, Hamnet
- Actor in a Supporting Role: Sean Penn, One Battle After Another
- Actress in a Supporting Role: Amy Madigan, Weapons
- Adapted Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another
- Animated Feature Film: Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans, and Michelle L.M. Wong, KPop Demon Hunters
- Animated Short Film: Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski, The Girl Who Cried Pearls
- Costume Design: Kate Hawley, Frankenstein
- Best Casting: Cassandra Kulukundis, One Battle After Another
- Best Sound: Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo and Juan Peralta, F1
- Live Action Short Film (Tie): Sam A. Davis and Jack Piatt, The Singers and Alexandre Singh and Natalie Musteata, Two People Exchanging Saliva
- Makeup and Hairstyling: Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel and Cliona Furey, Frankenstein
- Original Song: EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seon and Teddy Park, Golden
- Documentary Feature Film: A Pink Production, Mr. Nobody Against Putin
- Documentary Short Film: Joshua Seftel and Conall Jones, All the Empty Rooms
- Film Editing: Andy Jurgensen, One Battle After Another
- International Feature Film: A Mer Film/Eye Eye Pictures Production; Norway, Sentimental Film
- Production Design: Tamara Deverell; Set Decoration: Shane Vieau, Frankenstein
- Visual Effects: Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon and Daniel Barrett, Avatar: Fire and Ash
The 98th Academy Awards underscored a growing trend in Hollywood: the celebration of diverse voices and groundbreaking storytelling. The success of Sinners, particularly the historic wins for Autumn Durald Arkapaw, signals a shift towards greater inclusivity behind the camera. This year’s awards also highlighted the enduring power of collaboration, as evidenced by the close working relationships between Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler. The American Film Institute continues to be a key resource for understanding the evolving landscape of cinematic excellence.
The awards season often sparks debate about the criteria for artistic merit and the role of representation in film. The Wrap’s ongoing coverage of Oscar diversity provides valuable insights into these complex issues. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be crucial to foster an environment that supports and celebrates a wide range of perspectives.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 98th Academy Awards
What was the biggest win at the 98th Academy Awards?
While many films were recognized, Sinners dominated the night with wins for Best Actor (Michael B. Jordan), Best Original Screenplay (Ryan Coogler), Best Cinematography (Autumn Durald Arkapaw), and Best Original Score.
Who made history at the 98th Academy Awards?
Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as the first woman, and the first woman of color, to win the Academy Award for Best Cinematography.
What is the significance of Ryan Coogler’s Best Original Screenplay win?
Ryan Coogler’s win for Sinners marks a significant achievement for a visionary storyteller and underscores the importance of original narratives in contemporary cinema.
What did Michael B. Jordan say in his acceptance speech?
Michael B. Jordan expressed profound gratitude to Ryan Coogler, his supporters, and the audience, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and believing in one another.
Where were the 98th Academy Awards held?
The 98th Academy Awards were held at the Dolby Theatre in the heart of Los Angeles.
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