Wunmi Mosaku Oscar nomination marks a career milestone after her acclaimed performance in Sinners and a journey shaped by determination and storytelling
British-Nigerian actress Wunmi Mosaku has secured an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Sinners, marking a defining moment in a career shaped by perseverance, powerful storytelling, and cultural resonance.
Also read: Ryan Coogler’s Sinners shatters Oscars record with 16 nominations
The nomination, announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences this week, recognises Mosaku’s portrayal of Annie, a hoodoo priestess in the genre-defying film written and directed by Academy Award nominee Ryan Coogler.
Sinners, set in 1930s Mississippi, stars Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as twin brothers forced to defend their hometown against a supernatural threat.
Mosaku’s character provides emotional gravity and historical depth, anchoring the film’s spiritual and social themes.
The Wunmi Mosaku Oscar nomination follows a strong awards-season run that includes a Supporting Actress nomination at the Actors Awards and a place on the BAFTA longlist, firmly positioning the actress among this year’s most celebrated performers.
Speaking recently on The Graham Norton Show, Mosaku reflected on the unlikely beginnings of her acting journey, recalling how repeated viewings of the musical Annie during her childhood in Manchester first ignited her ambition.
Determined to pursue acting despite uncertainty about the path forward, Mosaku discovered the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art while researching actor Albert Finney, whose background mirrored her own northern upbringing.
She later auditioned for the institution and gained admission, a moment she has described as life-changing.
Mosaku’s career has since been defined by acclaimed performances across stage, television, and film.
In 2016, she won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Gloria Taylor in Damilola, Our Loved Boy, a performance widely praised for its emotional force and social impact.
Her work has spanned productions including Moses Jones, Vera, Luther, and Passenger, alongside international recognition through her role as Hunter B-15 in Marvel’s Loki and Deadpool & Wolverine.
Beyond the screen, Mosaku has recently drawn attention for addressing public interest in her personal life with characteristic candour.
Earlier this month, she revealed she is expecting her second child in an essay for British Vogue, explaining the cultural and personal reasons behind her reluctance to share the news publicly.
The Wunmi Mosaku Oscar nomination represents both a personal triumph and a broader milestone for representation, underscoring the global reach of African and diasporic storytelling in contemporary cinema.
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From a childhood spent dreaming in front of a television screen to standing among Hollywood’s most respected talents, Mosaku’s journey reflects resilience, purpose, and a commitment to meaningful work that continues to resonate across borders.
