Wunmi Mosaku becomes first Black British winner of BAFTA supporting actress award, praising representation and celebrating historic achievement

British-Nigerian actress Wunmi Mosaku has made history as the first Black British winner of the supporting actress category at the BAFTA Film Awards.

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The 39-year-old, born in Zaria, Nigeria, and raised in Manchester, received the accolade for her role as the Hoodoo priestess Annie in Sinners.

Mosaku, who is currently pregnant, described her victory as both shocking and deeply moving.

“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. It always feels good when you feel like your story and your experience is being represented with integrity and creativity,” she said.

Mosaku emphasised the significance of recognition and representation for Black women, noting the emotional response she witnessed among her community.

“The response of Black women feeling seen, loved, valued, treasured, and the power of our ancestry and the spirituality. For me, seeing that response made me realise how lonely I felt and all of a sudden these women were in my life who I’d never met, I felt a kinship to. I was like, ‘That can’t be right’. I was really shocked and I lost my breath and couldn’t quite believe it,” she said.

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The historic win not only marks a personal milestone for Mosaku but also underscores the ongoing importance of representation in film, highlighting the experiences and stories of Black women on prestigious international stages.