Miles Caton's Meteoric Rise from Sinners to the Oscars Stage
In a surprising turn of events, Miles Caton, the 20-year-old star of the horror musical Sinners, finds himself at the centre of Hollywood's awards season frenzy. From his bed in New York City, Caton recounts the morning he learned about the film's record-breaking 16 Oscar nominations, a moment that left his phone inundated with messages and delayed his start to the day.
From Viral Sensation to Film Star
Caton's journey to stardom began early, with a viral video at age 11 showcasing his rendition of Nina Simone's Feelin' Good, which later featured in Jay-Z's music video. His big break came when a casting agent spotted him singing backing vocals for R&B artist HER during Coldplay's European tour, leading to an audition for a secretive film role. Initially unaware of the project's scale, Caton admits, "I really didn't know how much I would be in the film, or how time-consuming it was going to be. It was kind of a good thing, because I feel it might have scared me."
Sinners: A Cultural Phenomenon
Directed by Ryan Coogler, Sinners is a southern gothic horror set in the 1930s, exploring themes of Black culture and music. The film became a box office hit, grossing $368 million globally. Caton plays Sammie, a blues singer torn between his religious upbringing and the allure of a juke joint. He drew from personal experiences, stating, "I definitely drew from my own personal experiences of growing up in a religious family, a Christian household, and growing up in gospel music." The film includes a raunchy love scene that Caton warned his family about, with his aunt humorously acknowledging it on social media.
Awards and Accolades
Caton's performance has earned him a Bafta Rising Star nomination, joining past winners like Kristen Stewart and Daniel Kaluuya. Additionally, he is set to perform at the Oscars, singing I Lied to You, a blues number by Raphael Saadiq and Ludwig Göransson. Reflecting on his rapid ascent, Caton says, "To be on the flipside of it just feels like a strange dream," noting his usual role as an awards show viewer.
Background and Influences
Raised in a musical family, Caton's parents worked in the industry, with his mother as a professional singer. He attended the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, where he honed his distinctive baritone voice. His exposure to artists like HER provided valuable insights into the music world, fueling his ambition. Caton emphasizes, "There's never been anything else I've ever had the idea to do," highlighting his lifelong dedication to performing.
As the awards season unfolds, Caton continues to navigate his newfound fame, with the Baftas on 22 February and the Oscars looming. Sinners remains available on streaming platforms, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone of 2025.
