Oscar nominee Wunmi Mosaku, recognized for her supporting role in the film Sinners, opened up about her experience working alongside actor Michael B. Jordan and director Ryan Coogler in this culturally significant project. The film, which set a record last month with 16 Academy Award nominations, reflects a collaborative effort emphasizing cultural relevance and deep storytelling.
Mosaku, who received a nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, described her initial attraction to the project, specifically highlighting the involvement of Ryan Coogler. She anticipated a cinematic experience that would be visually stunning and culturally meaningful because of his reputation.
Deep Connection to the Characters Through Powerful Writing
When Mosaku first read the script, she was immediately captivated by the complexity and humanity portrayed in the characters. She commented on a particular scene between Annie, the character she plays, and another character named Smoke, saying it displayed a rich depth of emotions including love, grief, and joy with remarkable subtlety.
“When I read the first seven pages that I was sent, it was a scene between Annie and Smoke. I was bowled over by the depth and breadth of their humanity, love, grief, fears, joys, similarities, and differences. In seven pages, to have written that so succinctly and clearly without any battering over the head with exposition, I’ve never read anything quite like it,”
Mosaku said about her connection to Annie and the film as a whole.
Her appreciation extended to all characters within the screenplay, observing that each was well-rounded with a full spectrum of traits, both positive and negative, which made them feel authentic and relatable.
Creative Collaboration with Michael B. Jordan on Set
Mosaku described working with Michael B. Jordan, who portrayed the character Smoke, as a highly creative and supportive partnership. She noted his leadership qualities and dedication to his craft, which helped foster an environment where actors could explore their roles without fear of making mistakes.
“Michael is such a passionate leader and a diligent and detailed actor, so as a scene partner, I couldn’t ask for anything more,”
Mosaku stated.
“We created such a safe, creative space that there were no wrong answers. If I were scared, if he was scared, we’d talk about it, and we’d say, there is no wrong. If you have the instinct, just go for it, and that was quite liberating and scary, but also scary in a good way because we were really pushing ourselves, challenging ourselves, and trying to make sure we weren’t sticking in our zone of comfort. He’s really great at that and inspiring everyone to push. Whether it’s professionally or personally, his work in this is so clear and detailed. I could tell if he was Smoke with my back turned. I could tell the moment he walked onto set with or without his costume, which character he was going to tackle first. His energy, his vibration, everything was so specific.”
Ryan Coogler’s Leadership and Vision on ‘Sinners’
When discussing her working relationship with Ryan Coogler, Mosaku emphasized his skillful leadership and the supportive environment he creates for his team. She explained that Coogler’s approach encourages collaboration and respect across all departments, from actors to crew members.
“Ryan is such a strong and clear leader, but he does it in such a gentle way,”
Mosaku shared.
“He creates family first. We are here to share and create, and he trusts each person in their role, whether it’s the set design, whether it’s DoP [director of photography], whether it’s an actor, whether it’s catering, he treats each person, each character, each role on set as a head of department. That you are equipped to do your work brilliantly; that is how he makes you feel.”
The Importance of ‘Sinners’ in Today’s Cultural Landscape
Sinners stands out as a film that not only achieved historic Academy Award recognition but also reflects the talents of a diverse group committed to telling meaningful stories. The combination of Coogler’s direction, Jordan’s dedication, and Mosaku’s emotional depth contributes to a film rich in cultural resonance.
The project highlights the power of collaboration among artists who push beyond comfort zones to depict fully realized characters and narratives. With Coogler at the helm, the film exemplifies how leadership and trust within a creative team result in a truly holistic cinematic experience.
