Wunmi Mosaku has officially entered the Oscar race, receiving her first nomination for her role in the critically acclaimed film *Sinners*. The announcement came early on the morning of March 12, 2024, when Mosaku learned of her nomination for Best Supporting Actress, a recognition that has followed the film’s historic achievement of securing a record 16 Oscar nominations.
Reflecting on her journey, Mosaku recalled how her dream of acting began with a simple Google search of the cast of her childhood favorite, *Annie*. To calm her nerves ahead of the nominations, she shared a special moment with her daughter by watching the film together. “I was trying to keep calm and not think about it all the time, but it would pop up in my mind,” she explained to *The Hollywood Reporter*. “This moment with my daughter allowed me to go to sleep joyful, remembering what I love.”
In *Sinners*, Mosaku portrays Annie, a hoodoo practitioner and partner to Michael B. Jordan’s character, Smoke. Her performance has resonated deeply with audiences, particularly among Black women who see themselves represented in her character. “I felt loved and seen and heard,” Mosaku said, acknowledging how the role has sparked feelings of empowerment and connection to heritage among viewers.
Gratitude for Ryan Coogler
Mosaku expressed her appreciation for director Ryan Coogler, highlighting his commitment to authentic representation in storytelling. “I’m so grateful for the people who poured into Ryan to give him this gift,” she stated. She praised Coogler for not being influenced by commercial pressures and for crafting a narrative that honors Black women’s experiences.
The actress also recalled a touching moment from the recent Golden Globe Awards, where composer Ludwig Göransson acknowledged her impact on his creative process while accepting the award for Best Original Score. “Every time you were on screen, the music was just coming to me; it was so inspiring,” he remarked. Mosaku found this revelation both surprising and humbling. “The Brit in me was like, ‘Oh, no, no, no, no, no, don’t do that,’” she shared, highlighting her modesty in accepting praise from others.
Looking Ahead to the Oscars
As the Oscars approach, Mosaku is preparing for the spotlight, excited about the prospect of walking the red carpet while expecting her second child. “The only reason I wouldn’t be able to attend is if, I guess it would be a bad thing, like I don’t have any mobility, and I’m not wishing that,” she remarked, indicating her confidence in attending.
The nominations for the 96th Academy Awards have generated significant buzz, particularly with *Sinners* making history with its record nominations. For Mosaku, the recognition is more than a personal achievement; it serves as a validation of her hard work and dedication to her craft. “This character is being celebrated in award season feels really good. I don’t take it lightly,” she emphasized, underscoring the emotional weight of her journey.
As Mosaku navigates this pivotal moment in her career, she remains grounded in gratitude, reflecting on the connections her work has fostered and the opportunities it presents for future storytelling in cinema.
