Autumn Durald Arkapaw
🔥 TrendingAutumn Cheyenne Durald Arkapaw (née Durald; born December 14, 1979) is an American cinematographer. For her work on the film Sinners (2025), she became the first woman of colour (Arkapaw is of Filipino and Black Creole descent) to be nominated, and the first woman to win an Academy Award for Best Cinematography. On television, she received a nomination at the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards for Outstanding Cinematography for her work on the Loki episode "Lamentis" (2021). Description above
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Facts about Autumn Durald Arkapaw
Did you know that Autumn Durald Arkapaw's historic Academy Award win for 'Sinners' made her not only the first woman to win Best Cinematography, but also the first woman of color to even be nominated in that category?
- Autumn Durald Arkapaw is married to fellow cinematographer Adam Arkapaw, known for his work on 'True Detective' and 'Animal Kingdom'.
- She earned her M.F.A. in film production with an emphasis in cinematography from Loyola Marymount University.
- Durald Arkapaw frequently collaborates with director Gia Coppola, having shot her features 'Palo Alto', 'Mainstream', and segments of 'The Seven Faces of Jane'.
- Her early career included shooting music videos for artists like Arcade Fire and Haim, honing her distinctive visual style.
- She has spoken publicly about the importance of mentorship and creating opportunities for women and minorities in the film industry.
Autumn Durald Arkapaw's most defining career moment is her groundbreaking Academy Award win for Best Cinematography for the film 'Sinners' (2025). This achievement made her the first woman and the first woman of color to win in the category, solidifying her place in cinematic history and breaking significant industry barriers. Her prior Primetime Creative Arts Emmy nomination for 'Loki' (2021) further showcased her versatile talent across film and television.
Her legacy lies in shattering glass ceilings in a historically male-dominated field, inspiring a new generation of diverse cinematographers to pursue their craft. Durald Arkapaw's work has paved the way for greater inclusivity and recognition for women and people of color in the technical aspects of filmmaking.