In a landmark moment at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), filmmaker Ryan Coogler achieved an historic first by winning Best Original Screenplay for his critically acclaimed film Sinners, making him the first Black writer in the 79-year history of the BAFTA Awards to receive this honor.
Presented at the Royal Festival Hall, the British Academy's ceremony celebrated one of the most watched and anticipated evenings of the global awards season. Sinners not only secured the Best Original Screenplay award for Coogler but also took home three BAFTA trophies, including Best Supporting Actress for Wunmi Mosaku and Best Original Score, further cementing its place among the most decorated films of the night.
The vampire thriller, co-written and directed by Coogler, had already made waves throughout awards season, accumulating 13 BAFTA nominations - the most for any film directed by a Black filmmaker - and setting records with its 16 Academy Award nominations.
"I didn't expect that," Coogler said onstage as he accepted his award, expressing shock and gratitude for the recognition and acknowledging his creative community for encouragement and support.
This achievement resonates deeply during Black History Month, underscoring not only artistic excellence but also a meaningful shift in representation at major international awards ceremonies. Only one Black screenwriter has won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay - Jordan Peele for Get Out (2017) - and Coogler's BAFTA win positions him as a leading contender as the 98th Academy Awards approach on March 15, 2026.
Ryan Coogler's BAFTA triumph highlights a milestone for diversity, creativity, and storytelling on the world's most prestigious cinematic stages - and sets a historic benchmark for Black filmmakers around the globe.
