At the Elle Magazine Women in Hollywood Awards on November 17, the women of Ryan Coogler’s Sinners were honored. Jayme Lawson (Pearline) and Wunmi Mosaku (Annie) were at the Four Seasons to take the stage (their other co-star, Hailee Steinfeld, was under the weather). Their acceptance speeches highlighted the power of sisterhood on screen and behind the scenes.
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Sinners Broke Records and Changed Minds
Predictions were mixed about how well Ryan Coogler’s horror film set in 1932 in Clarksdale, Mississippi, would perform at the box office before its premiere. Warner Bros., the studio that released it, low-balled some of the other predictions, estimating the movie would make $35-40M total, according to Variety. The opening weekend was estimated closer to $48M and it has grossed more than $279M and upwards of $367M worldwide according to BoxOfficeMojo.com.
In a letter to fans, Coogler wrote of another successful collaboration with Michael B. Jordan (who played dual roles):
“Eternal gratitude. My heart is bursting with it. I want to thank each and every one of you who bought a ticket to see Sinners,” read the letter. “Who decided to drive to see the film in different formats. Who bought popcorn and a drink, booked a sitter and carpooled, and stood in the lobby afterward and talked and made a friend. Who changed their work schedules. Who saw the film in groups.”
The movie was recently back in IMAX theaters for special showings around Halloween.
Coogler and Jordan Present the Awards
Coogler told the audience that the movie Sinners is powered by women and the story doesn’t move forward without them. “They are truth-tellers, and perhaps more importantly, they are the beating heart of the story,” the director said.
Mosaku, who previously starred in Lovecraft Country, has been lauded as the UK’s best-kept secret by Jordan. “As [Mosaku] once said, the scariest part of this movie is the feeling that no matter how far you’ve gone, you still might be exactly where you started,” Jordan said in his remarks. “Wunmi, thank you for your gentle wisdom, your love, your support. Tonight, we honor you − and always.”
Coogler thanked Lawson for her artistry, “for us, you were never too much. You were always enough.”
Lawson Talks About the Power of Sisterhood
Jayme Lawson tried her best not to cry too hard, saying, “her momma’s gonna be pissed.” But in their shared acceptance speech, the actress said, “Mike and Ryan for trusting us with this story and these characters. We love and cherish you both, and we know that we are only up here because of you two.”
“Sinners is a cultural phenomenon because it very remarkably introduced to the world to an authentic communal melting pot. And at its core, it breathed life into some bad women,” she continued.
“When you find your sisters in this industry, you hold on for dear life and you not dare let them go. But not just our sisters in front, but behind the cameras as well. Autumn, Zinzi, Hannah, Ruth, Francine, Pam….a culture was created with this film to see and be seen, and that is rare.”
Mosaku Reminds Us to Keep Showing Up
Mosaku, who was also emotional, said, “To be amongst these fiercely talented women and being acknowledged tonight is an honor and a joy. It is a luminous reminder to keep showing up with honesty and integrity.
“I hope this moment inspires any woman listening to be fertile soil for women to thrive outside of the boxes, labels, and expectations.”
The UK-Nigerian actress continued, “Ryan, the light that was placed in you is undeniable and incandescent.. And we are so grateful for the women who inspire and love you so deeply that you champion by representing them in all their complexities and humanity on and off the camera.”
She thanked Coogler and Ryan for their steadfast collaboration. And noted how their contributions to this industry have expanded the landscape for opportunities for women of color.
Mosaku said, “You both see us and encourage us and all the women in your lives, to take up as much space as possible.”
