University of California alumni played key roles in two major films that won multiple awards at the 98th Academy Awards, according to a March 19 announcement. The films “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners” were both favorites going into the ceremony and secured several Oscars with the help of UC graduates.
The recognition highlights the impact of University of California alumni in the film industry, as their work contributed to wins in significant categories such as Best Picture, Best Cinematography, and Best Film Editing.
“Sinners” received four Oscars from a record-breaking 16 nominations. UCLA Extension alumna Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history by becoming the first woman, first nominee of Asian descent, and first Black nominee to win an Oscar for Best Cinematography. “I really want all the women in the room to stand up, because I feel like I don’t get here without you guys. I really, really, truly mean that. I have felt so much love from all of the women on this whole campaign,” Arkapaw said during her acceptance speech. The film was also produced by UC San Diego alumnus Sev Ohanian and won awards for Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Score. Ohanian said about director Ryan Coogler: “This man [Ryan Coogler] wrote like you could not believe. That first draft was phenomenal. And I really think it’s because the story was inside of him his whole life.”
“One Battle After Another” took home six Oscars including Best Picture and Best Film Editing. UC Santa Barbara alumnus Andy Jurgensen edited the film—his fourth collaboration with director Paul Thomas Anderson—and dedicated his award to his aunt Barbara Hall: “I’d like to dedicate this to my aunt, Barbara Hall, who was a film archivist for the Academy for over 25 years. She loved her job and she loved showing me old movies and teaching me about film history and I miss her every day.” Jurgensen credited his introduction to film to family members who worked as archivists at the Motion Picture Academy.
Miguel Penabella, assistant director at UC Santa Barbara’s Carsey-Wolf Center, commented on Jurgensen’s craft: “Editing is absolutely a skill that we emphasize in our students… Students often find their artistic voice in the editing room.”
The achievements of these alumni underscore how educational experiences at University of California campuses can shape careers in creative industries such as filmmaking.
