What's happened
Durald Arkapaw, the first woman of color nominated for an Oscar in cinematography, has made history by shooting the first IMAX film in large-format. Her work on Ryan Coogler’s 'Sinners' highlights her groundbreaking role and the challenges of filming in rare formats, inspiring future women in the industry.
What's behind the headline?
Durald Arkapaw’s achievement signals a pivotal shift in cinematography, breaking longstanding gender and racial barriers. Her choice to film 'Sinners' in large-format IMAX and Ultra Panavision 70 demonstrates her willingness to push technical boundaries, which will likely inspire more women and minorities to pursue large-format filmmaking. The decision to shoot a dialogue-heavy scene in IMAX, despite technical challenges, underscores her innovative approach and confidence in her craft. This milestone will accelerate diversity in high-end cinematography, potentially leading to more inclusive storytelling and industry representation. Her success also challenges Hollywood’s risk aversion, showing that diverse voices can lead to groundbreaking artistic achievements.
What the papers say
The New York Times highlights her historic nomination and her role as the first woman of color to be nominated for an Oscar in cinematography, emphasizing her influence and the significance of her work in 'Sinners.' The Independent discusses her career trajectory, noting her previous work on major projects like 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' and her efforts to inspire future generations of women in film. AP News briefly mentions her recognition for 'Sinners,' framing her achievement within her broader career. These sources collectively portray her as a trailblazer whose work is reshaping industry standards and inspiring diversity in cinematography.
How we got here
Durald Arkapaw’s recognition follows her extensive career, including work on 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' and a Rihanna music video. Her historic nomination and role in shooting 'Sinners' in IMAX and Ultra Panavision 70 mark significant milestones for women and people of color in cinematography, a field with few female Oscar nominees.
Go deeper
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Ryan Kyle Coogler is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter. His first feature film, Fruitvale Station, won the top audience and grand jury awards in the U.S. dramatic competition at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.
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Autumn Cheyenne Durald Arkapaw (born December 14, 1979) is an American cinematographer.