Insects, blood splatter and the cinematographer of sinners on Hollywood’s ‘Boys Club’
If you’re a movie fan, Autumn Durald Arcapago is a name to remember this awards season.
The cinematographer has already made history.
From this year onwards, BAFTA and Oscar, the cinematographer has already made history for his extraordinary work in Ryan Coogler’s vampire horror film.
She is the first woman of colour to be nominated for cinematography in the history of both awards, as well as one of only a handful of women ever nominated.
His work continues, sinners. Filming in the extreme heat of the far south certainly meant earning our place in this year’s competition.
Lola Kirke as Joan, Jack O’Connell as Remick and Peter Dreimanis as Burt. Photo: Warner Bros.
“There was humidity, there were bugs,” she laughs. “I started out wearing mesh on my head, but then they would get inside the mesh and all over my face.”
Speaking to Sky News, he explained that part of the work was to “put the cameras in the best positions so that it looks real”.
Which, in the case of sinners, meant joining the ranks of the fire to shed considerable blood.
“Because I run the camera, [the] team covers you with plastic or tarpaulin.”
But she says its depth makes a difference to the film’s experience.
“I’m essentially an audience member so if it feels real to me, I know you’ll feel it too; that’s important.”
Autumn Durald Arcapaugh arrives at the 98th Academy Awards Oscar Nominees Luncheon earlier this month. Photo: AP
Autumn Durald Arcapaugh was at the Sinners premiere last year with her husband, Adam Arcapaugh, who is also a cinematographer. Photo: AP
So how does it feel to have already made Oscar and BAFTA history?
“It means a lot to me because it came from Ryan – the opportunity itself – and he’s someone who advocates for women in film. All of our department heads are women who are like sisters to me now.”
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If she wins for cinematography at this year’s Academy Awards, she will be the first woman to do so. Remarkably, this is the only Oscar that has never had a female winner.
She explains, “I feel like it’s a boys’ club because there should be more opportunities.
“I’ve experienced being a woman cinematographer; when I attended film school in 2009, there were 11 girls in my class of 28.”
“They’re there but the doors aren’t open…the opportunities aren’t there.”
Arkapaev Michael B. Is shooting Jordan, who has a major role in Sinners
She says one of the best aspects of being nominated is being approached by young girls who are eager to follow her career path.
“I’m already a winner,” she says.
“When you start out as a filmmaker, you just want people to see your work and embrace it and I think that’s what’s happening.”
Before adding: “I can only cross my fingers to see.”
