Autumn Durald Arkapaw Makes History as First Woman to Win Cinematography Oscar
Autumn Durald Arkapaw has made Oscars history by winning the award for Best Cinematography for the film Sinners, becoming the first woman ever to take home this prestigious prize. The 46-year-old American cinematographer was recognised for her groundbreaking work on Ryan Coogler's film, marking a significant milestone in a profession that has long been underrepresented by women.
A Remarkable Journey in Cinematography
Arkapaw's win underscores a remarkable journey in a field where female representation has historically been low. Her diverse credits include major projects such as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, The Last Showgirl, and a Rihanna music video. Early in her career, she struggled to find many women in cinematography beyond notable figures like Ellen Kuras, known for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
While more women are working in cinematography today, Oscar nominations have remained rare. Only three women preceded Arkapaw in receiving nominations: Rachel Morrison for Mudbound in 2018, Ari Wegner for The Power of the Dog, and Mandy Walker for Elvis. Notably, Arkapaw was also the first woman of colour to be nominated in this category, adding another layer of significance to her historic achievement.
Breaking Technical Barriers with IMAX Film
Sinners itself was a landmark project for women in cinematography, as Arkapaw became the first woman to shoot a feature film on IMAX film. Reflecting on the importance of representation, she told The Associated Press last year, "I heard a phrase that said you need to see you to be you. I think for us females in business, the more women are able to shoot on large format, it will inspire the younger girls who maybe don’t think that they can get there."
A native of Northern California, Arkapaw pursued art history at Loyola Marymount University before honing her craft at the American Film Institute. She leveraged her background in photography to specialise in cinematography. While she had previously shot Black Panther: Wakanda Forever using IMAX digital, working with IMAX film presented unique challenges due to the cameras' size, noise, and perceived limitations.
Overcoming Challenges with Expert Guidance
Before embarking on the project, Arkapaw sought advice from Hoyte van Hoytema, the cinematographer for Oppenheimer, who encouraged her not to be deterred by the equipment's bulk. "Hearing that straight off was inspiring and encouraging and we took that advice and just told our story," Arkapaw recounted, adding, "It was very freeing." Ultimately, the production opted for a blend of IMAX film and Ultra Panavision 70, an even rarer format famously revived by Quentin Tarantino for The Hateful Eight.
Memorable Scenes and Creative Collaboration
One particular scene in Sinners stands out for Arkapaw—a sequence they initially hesitated to shoot on IMAX film due to its dialogue-heavy nature and the cameras' notorious noise. However, her experience with director Ryan Coogler on Wakanda Forever had taught her his penchant for pushing creative boundaries.
The scene introduces Jack O’Connell’s Irish vampire, Remmick, and the Choctaw hunters pursuing him, framed like a Western against a setting sun. "We had a lot of beautiful crane work in that and some intimate stuff. Ryan loves a hallway, so there’s a Steadicam shot inside. It’s very eerie," she explained. "I can’t see that scene in any other format now."
Paving the Way for Future Generations
Arkapaw's historic win not only celebrates her exceptional talent but also paves the way for future generations of female cinematographers. It proves that artistic vision can overcome technical and historical barriers, inspiring more women to enter and excel in this competitive field. Her achievement is a testament to the growing diversity and innovation in the film industry, setting a new standard for excellence in cinematography.
