British-Nigerian actress Wunmi Mosaku is officially an Oscar nominee. For her, and many Africans, this is a personal yet culturally historic moment. The actress earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the 98th Academy Awards for her role in the blues-infused vampire epic ‘Sinners.’
The nomination places Mosaku among the strongest contenders in one of the year’s most competitive acting categories. It also marks a significant leap for African talent in the diaspora. Wunmi Mosaku represents a growing surge of Nigerian excellence on Hollywood’s biggest stage.
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A Record-Breaking Night for Sinners
Directed by Ryan Coogler, ‘Sinners’ dominated this year’s Oscar nominations with a record-breaking 16 nods. This feat makes it the most-nominated film in Academy Awards history. The achievement surpasses the long-standing 14-nomination record previously shared by ‘Titanic’, ‘La La Land,’ and ‘All About Eve.’
Coogler landed nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. While Michael B. Jordan received his first-ever Oscar nomination for Best Actor. Veteran actor Delroy Lindo also earned his first nod, picking up a Best Supporting Actor nomination.
Meet Annie, the Role That Changed Everything for Wunmi Mosaku
Mosaku’s nomination comes from her portrayal of Annie, a hoodoo conjurer and emotional anchor in Sinners. Speaking to The Root, the actress described the recognition as “extraordinary,” admitting she never takes roles with awards in mind.
She revealed that seeing Annie become the role that earned her first Oscar nomination felt especially meaningful. For her, it is a professional and personal achievement.
Mosaku believes the character represents power, spirituality, love, and self-worth. These are qualities that resonated strongly with African women who saw themselves reflected onscreen.
The recognition of Mosaku’s performance has been widely celebrated for what it represents. Her character challenged long-standing stereotypes. She portrayed a darker-skinned, plus-sized Black woman who is loved, respected, and respected for her spiritual and emotional depth.
Mosaku shared that the response from African women who felt seen by Annie was unexpectedly healing. She described the moment as a culmination of years of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and perseverance, finally finding meaning.
More History Beyond the Acting Categories
Sinners also made waves in technical categories. Ruth E. Carter became the most-nominated Black woman in Oscar history with her Best Costume Design nod. While Autumn Durald Arkapaw earned a rare Best Cinematography nomination. She’s only the fourth woman ever recognised in the category.
The film’s original song, ‘I Lied To You,’ co-written by Raphael Saadiq and Ludwig Göransson, also secured a nomination.
The 98th Academy Awards will take place on March 15 in Los Angeles. Whether Mosaku wins or not, her nomination already feels like a victory. For Nigeria, for Africa, and for Black representation.
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