Autumn Durald Arkapaw won Best Cinematography at the 2026 Oscars for "Sinners," becoming the first woman and woman of color to win in the category.

Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history at the 98th Academy Awards by becoming the first woman to win Best Cinematography for her work on Ryan Coogler’s "Sinners," the first film shot entirely on IMAX film by a woman. A native of Northern California, Arkapaw is also the first woman of color nominated in the category, breaking barriers in a field where only three women had been nominated before. She combined IMAX film with the rare Ultra Panavision 70 format, overcoming technical challenges with guidance from "Oppenheimer" cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema. Her win, celebrated as a milestone for representation, underscores progress in diversity within cinematography.