At the 79th Baftas, British-Nigerian actress Wunmi Mosaku became the first British black person to win best supporting actress. At the 79th British Academy Film Awards on Sunday night, British-Nigerian actress Wunmi Mosaku won best supporting actress for her performance in Sinners, ending the UK's multi-year drought in the main acting categories. After three years without a UK winner in best actor, actress, supporting actor, or supporting actress, her win is the first time a British performer has taken home one of the major acting prizes since 2022. Mosaku also wins the supporting actress award, making her the first British black actress to do so.
The 39-year-old actress, who is significantly pregnant, won despite a formidable field that included American favorite Teyana Taylor for One Battle After Another, as well as fellow UK contenders Carey Mulligan for The Ballad of Wallis Island and Emily Watson for Hamnet. Mosaku highlighted the reaction from black women who felt represented by her performance and characterized her victory as a moment of deep cultural and personal significance.
At her press conference, she remarked, "It always feels good when you walk into a room, and you're not the only one." "When you believe that your experience and stories are being told with honesty and originality, it always feels good.
"Since the film's release, simply witnessing the reaction of Black women who felt seen, loved, valued, treasured, and the power of our ancestry and spirituality has made me realize how lonely I felt. Suddenly, these women, whom I had never met, were in my life, and I felt a kinship to them."
Mosaku, who played Gloria Taylor in Damilola, Our Loved Boy and previously won a BAFTA TV Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 2017, said that she was taken aback by her victory. "That can't be right," I thought. She remarked, "I was so shocked that I lost my breath and couldn't believe it."
She praised her daughter in her award speech, stating: "You are my greatest teacher, my daughter." Everything starts and finishes with you, and for that, I am incredibly proud.
"I found a part of myself in Annie, a part of my hopes, my ancestral power and connection, parts I thought I had lost or tried to dim as an immigrant trying to fit in," she said in reference to her role in Sinners.
Mosaku commended Ryan Coogler, the American writer and director of the movie, for creating a welcoming and courteous work environment.
He gives credit to everyone who has ever supported him. He doesn't take it all personally.
"He lets everyone know on the set that they are so important, and we can’t do it without them."That's what's so unique about Ryan," she remarked.
Coogler accepted the best original screenplay prize for Sinners shortly after her triumph. “I’m so happy for him,” Mosaku, who was in the winners’ room, added emotionally.
Among the few British triumphs of the evening was the joint Bafta award for best sound for Formula One, which went to sound engineer Gareth John.
John has now won the category twice in a row; Dune shared the honor the year before.
For the Scottish biographical drama I Swear, which is based on John Davidson, a man who was raised with Tourette's syndrome, Lauren Evans also won the prize for best casting.