Los Angeles witnessed a historic win–and perhaps the most fitting one this Women’s Month–at the 98th Academy Awards on Wednesday, as Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman, the first woman of color, and the first woman of Filipino descent to win Best Cinematography for her work on Sinners.
The moment was accompanied by a beauty look that was elegant, deliberate, and refreshingly understated.
Durald Arkapaw wore softly sculpted brown-toned makeup by Megumi Asai, anchored by gently lined cat eyeliner that framed the eyes without overpowering them. A muted rosy-to-nude pink lip and minimal blush completed the look, allowing her features, and the moment, to take center stage.
Her hair, styled by Nelson Vercher, was in a slick, middle-parted low braided bun, a classic silhouette that complemented the architectural lines of her custom Thom Browne ensemble. The ankle-length tailored skirt in black silk faille was paired with a white organza shirt, a slashed-hem black piqué corset, and an archival Fall/Winter 2015 single-button organza overcoat featuring Fair Isle lace embroidery and horsehair inserts.
Tribute to women
During the ceremony, she paid tribute to the women who supported her throughout her career. “I really want all the women in the room to stand up because I don’t get here without you guys,” she said in her acceptance speech. “I have felt so much love from all the women on this whole campaign and gotten to meet so many people and I just feel like moments like this happen because of you guys, and I want to thank you for that.”
Autumn Durald Arkapaw’s Filipino ethnicity
Adding another layer of meaning was a small but powerful detail visible on her wrist: a tattoo written in Baybayin, an ancient Filipino script. As previously noted by Vogue Philippines in an interview with Audrey Carpio, the characters form the initials of her maternal grandfather, Guillermo Pagan Bautista, who was born in Masantol, Pampanga, survived the Bataan Death March, and later served in the United States Army.
“He was always the most important man in my life,” Durald Arkapaw previously told Vogue Philippines. “One of the biggest influences on my childhood and my family.”
Durald Arkapaw is a daughter of a Filipina mother and a Black creole father.
Sinners’ cultural impact
Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, entered the Oscars with a historic 16 nominations and left with four wins, including Original Screenplay, Lead Actor, Original Score, and Cinematography.
The film’s success capped a long awards season and cemented its place as one of the most culturally resonant releases of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Autumn Durald Arkapaw is a Filipino-American cinematographer who won Best Cinematography at the 98th Academy Awards for her work on Sinners. She is the first woman, first woman of color, and first woman of Filipino descent to win in that category.
Durald Arkapaw wore softly sculpted brown-toned makeup by Megumi Asai, featuring gently lined cat eyeliner, a muted rosy-to-nude pink lip, and minimal blush. Her hair, styled by Nelson Vercher, was a slick middle-parted low braided bun that complemented her custom Thom Browne ensemble.
The Baybayin tattoo on Durald Arkapaw’s wrist spells the initials of her maternal grandfather, Guillermo Pagan Bautista — a Pampanga-born veteran who survived the Bataan Death March and later served in the United States Army. Baybayin is an ancient pre-colonial Filipino script.
Durald Arkapaw is the daughter of a Filipina mother and a Black Creole father. Her Filipino heritage connects to her maternal grandfather, who was born in Masantol, Pampanga. She has described him as one of the most important influences on her childhood and her family.
Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, won four awards at the 98th Academy Awards: Best Cinematography (Autumn Durald Arkapaw), Best Original Screenplay, Best Lead Actor, and Best Original Score. The film entered the ceremony with a historic 16 nominations.
