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Ryan Coogler Makes BAFTA History as First Black Original Screenplay Winner

Ryan Coogler has made history at the BAFTA Awards by winning the Best Original Screenplay award for his film 'Sinners,' becoming the first Black writer to ever win in this category. His emotional acceptance speech highlighted the support of his community and offered inspiration to fellow writers. The win places Coogler in a prominent position for the upcoming Academy Awards, where he will face similar competition. Only one Black writer, Jordan Peele for 'Get Out,' has previously won the Oscar for Original Screenplay.

Key Points: Ryan Coogler Wins BAFTA, First Black Original Screenplay Winner

  • First Black BAFTA Original Screenplay winner
  • Won for film 'Sinners'
  • Defeated strong competition like 'Marty Supreme'
  • Positions Coogler strongly for Oscars
  • Only Jordan Peele has won Oscar in this category for a Black writer
2 min read

Ryan Coogler breaks BAFTA record as first Black winner of Best Original Screenplay for 'Sinners

Ryan Coogler breaks BAFTA record winning Best Original Screenplay for 'Sinners,' becoming the first Black writer to win the category.

"For all the writers out there... let that love motivate you. - Ryan Coogler"

London, February 23

Ryan Coogler has made history at the BAFTA Awards with a big win that has added a new feather to his career.

According to Variety, Coogler won the BAFTA award for Original Screenplay for his film Sinners, becoming the first Black winner in this category. The moment was met with loud applause as Coogler walked on stage to accept the honour.

Speaking after his win, Coogler shared how the moment felt for him. "I didn't expect that," Coogler said as he took the stage to massive applause. "This is nerve-wracking."

"I come from a community that loves me. They made me believe that I could do this, that I could be a writer. And it was amazing to be accepted into the community of film actors, the community of Los Angeles ..."

"For all the writers out there, when y'all look at that blank page, think of who you love, think of anybody who you've seen in pain that you identify with and wish they felt better and let that love motivate you. I'll be forever grateful for this, thank you all," he added.

Coogler won against strong names in the category, including I Swear, Marty Supreme, The Secret Agent, and Sentimental Value.

The BAFTA win has also placed Coogler in a strong position ahead of the Oscars. At the Academy Awards, he will again face Marty Supreme and Sentimental Value, along with Blue Moon and It Was Just an Accident.

So far, only one Black writer has won the Oscar for Original Screenplay. That was Jordan Peele for Get Out. Like Sinners, it was also a horror film.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Aman W
It's 2025 and he's the *first* Black winner in that category? That's honestly shocking. BAFTA, and the industry at large, has a long way to go. Happy for Coogler's win, but this milestone highlights how much systemic change is still needed, not just in the West but in our own film awards here too.
R
Rohit P
Fantastic achievement! His journey from 'Fruitvale Station' to 'Black Panther' and now this is incredible. As an aspiring writer in Mumbai, his words about community and love really hit home. Wishing him all the best for the Oscars! 🤞
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, while I celebrate his win, I do wish the article gave a bit more insight into the film 'Sinners' itself. What's it about? The focus is so much on the historic nature of the win (which is important) that the art gets a bit lost.
K
Karthik V
Interesting that both this and 'Get Out' are horror films winning top writing awards. Maybe the genre is finally getting the serious critical respect it deserves. Great to see talent recognized regardless of the genre. More power to storytellers everywhere!

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