Coogler, who also directed the film, becomes only the second black writer to win this award, after Jordan Peele
Ryan Coogler has won the best original screenplay Oscar for Sinners, at the 98th Academy awards now under way in Los Angeles.
Coogler’s victory makes him only the second black writer to win the award, following Jordan Peele, who won in 2018 for Get Out.
Coogler had to overcome a strong field to win, including Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie for Marty Supreme, Eskil Vogt and Joachim Trier for Sentimental Value, and Robert Kaplow for Blue Moon.
Sinners, which Coogler also directed, stars Michael B Jordan as twins “Smoke” and “Stack” Moore, whose juke joint is under siege by vampires led by Jack O’Connell.
Coogler has been heavily featured already in this year’s script awards race, winning best original screenplay at the Baftas, Writers Guild and Critics Choice awards, and picking up a nomination at the Golden Globes.
Coogler thanked the Academy and his fellow nominees, as well as his cast and crew – who he asked to rise from their seats.
He then paid tribute to his producer and wife, Zizzy, saying she made every day better than the preceding, as well as to his parents, saying: “Thank y’all for making me believe in myself.”
He finished by thanking “to my babies that are at home watching. I apologise for all the time away. Dad loves you.
“Memories are all we have. I hope I’ll give you some great ones. And that y’all blessed to live a long life, and your dad becomes just a memory. I want y’all to remember this one thing. I love y’all, I’m wearing anything. Thank you.”
