When Miles Canton, Buddy Guy, Shaboozey, Misty Copeland, and the Sinners cast reenacted the juke joke scene set to “I Lied to You,” the acclaimed vampire thriller already felt like a winner, regardless of the Academy recognizing it in all its glory.
Live from the Dolby Theatre in the heart of Los Angeles, the 98th Academy Awards celebrated excellence and cinematic achievements across categories in acting, directing, casting, and more.
Adrien Brody presented the most anticipated award of the night: Best Actor, where Sinners star Michael B. Jordan accepted the distinguished honor for the first time in his career. He thanked his longtime collaborator, Ryan Coogler, for allowing him to be part of his vision to bring Sinners to life.
“I’m so honored to call you a collaborator and a friend,” he said. “You gave me the opportunity and space for me to be seen.”
He also shared his appreciation with his supporters who watched the film. “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.”
Jordan continued, “Thank you for keeping up with me. I’m going to keep stepping up and being the best version of myself. I want to say thank you to everybody in this room who had something to do with my success. I love you guys and everybody at home who supported Sinners and went to see the movie once, twice, three, four, five times because you guys made this movie what it is.”
Coogler took home gold in the Best Original Screenplay category for his work on Sinners. After receiving a lengthy standing ovation, the first-time Oscar winner dedicated the award to his fellow cast and crew, who are “winners in my book.” He also recognized his wife and collaborator, Zinzi Coogler, alongside his parents and children for their unwavering support and love.
“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. To my parents who are here, thank y’all for all the memories. Thank y’all for making me believe in myself,” Coogler said while accepting his award.
“To my babies who are at home watching, I apologize for all the time away. Dad loves you. Memories are all we have. I hope I’ve given you some great ones, and y’all are blessed to live a long life. When Dad becomes a memory, I want y’all to remember this one thing–I love y’all more than anything.”
Autumn Durald Arkapaw won Best Cinematography, making history as the first woman ever to win in that category. Arkapaw, who is also of Filipino and African American-Creole heritage, is also the first woman of color to win. She honored Coogler for believing in her and helping to bring his vision to life.
“Thank you for believing in me and for trusting me,” she said onstage. “That’s the kind of guy that I get to make films with. He’s a very honorable person, and he means it. I feel like I had to meet him [Ryan].”
The Sinners cast added one more win to their collection with Best Original Score.
See more of the night’s winners below:
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