Fil-Am filmmaker Autumn Durald Arkapaw becomes first woman to win Oscars Best Cinematography

Filipino-American cinematographer wins for “Sinners,” becoming the first woman and first woman of color to claim the category.

Another historic moment unfolded at the Academy Awards as Filipino-American filmmaker Autumn Durald Arkapaw won Best Cinematography for her work on “Sinners.” She became the first woman—and the first woman of color—to win the category.

In her acceptance speech, Arkapaw paid tribute to the women who supported her throughout the awards campaign, even asking all the women in the room to stand.

“I’m so honored to be here, and I really want all the women in the room to stand up. I felt so much love from all the women during this whole campaign and have gotten to meet so many people,” she said.

A historic win for cinematography

“I feel like moments like this happen because of you guys, and I want to thank you for that. I want to thank Warner Bros., everyone who poured their hearts into this, and my cast—these people are so beautiful. I’m honored to be there photographing them. And to my husband, my son Aiden, and my parents back there, thank you so much. This is an honor. Thank you.”