How Did Wunmi Mosaku Harness Ancestral Power to Win a BAFTA?

Wunmi Mosaku, the talented Bafta-winning actress, recently expressed that she rediscovered parts of herself through her portrayal of Hoodoo priestess Annie in the film "Sinners." As the first black British winner of the Best Supporting Actress category at the Bafta Film Awards, Mosaku shared her journey of embracing her heritage and identity as an immigrant. Her victory not only reflects her remarkable talent but also highlights the importance of representation in the film industry.

Last updated: 26 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Wunmi Mosaku's win at the Bafta Film Awards has captured attention not only for her exceptional performance but also for her heartfelt message about identity and belonging. As she accepts the award, Mosaku speaks on the significance of representation in the arts, especially for black women and immigrants. Her role in "Sinners" has resonated with many audiences, prompting conversations about the experiences of those who feel pressure to conform to societal norms. The award serves as a celebration of cultural diversity and individual stories within the film industry.

Key takeaways

Wunmi Mosaku won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in "Sinners."
She is the first black British winner in this category at the Baftas.
Her portrayal of Annie helped her reconnect with her heritage as an immigrant.
The actress highlighted the importance of representation for black women in the arts.
Mosaku's journey to acting was inspired by her childhood experiences and family support.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey leading to Wunmi Mosaku's historic Bafta win can be traced back through significant milestones in her life and career:

1984: Wunmi Mosaku is born in Zaria, Nigeria.
1985: Moves to Manchester, UK, with her family at the age of one.
2016: Wins the TV Bafta for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Damilola, Our Loved Boy."
2023: Wins the Bafta for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Sinners" on 22 October.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Wunmi Mosaku's recent win at the Bafta Film Awards is drawing attention to her powerful performance in "Sinners" and her impact on representation in the film industry. Her remarks post-win emphasise personal and collective identity, particularly for black women.

What was already established

Before this, Mosaku had already garnered acclaim for her performance in the BBC drama "Damilola, Our Loved Boy," reflecting her ability to portray complex characters. Her background as an immigrant and her experiences growing up in Manchester have always influenced her artistic journey.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Wunmi Mosaku's win resonates with many UK households, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds. Her story inspires a sense of pride and representation, encouraging individuals to embrace their heritage. The visibility of black talent in mainstream media can also foster discussions about diversity in storytelling.

Businesses and jobs

Her success could potentially influence the film and television industry in the UK, encouraging more diverse casting and storytelling. This may lead to increased opportunities for actors from underrepresented backgrounds, contributing to a richer cultural landscape.

Policy and regulation

As the industry continues to evolve, Mosaku's win may prompt policymakers and industry leaders to consider initiatives that support diversity and inclusion in film and television. This could result in more funding for projects that highlight underrepresented stories and voices.

Numbers that matter

1: Wunmi Mosaku is the first black British actress to win the Best Supporting Actress category at the Bafta Film Awards.
9: Years since Mosaku last won a Bafta, for her role in "Damilola, Our Loved Boy."
11: Years Mosaku spent as a member of the Manchester Girls Choir, highlighting her commitment to the arts from a young age.
3.50: The cost of her journey to audition at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada).

Definitions and jargon buster

Bafta: British Academy of Film and Television Arts, which awards excellence in film and television.
Hoodoo: A spiritual practice that blends African traditions with elements of Christianity and other influences, often associated with the African diaspora.
Sinners: The film in which Mosaku plays the role of Annie, a Hoodoo priestess.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Expect increased media coverage of Wunmi Mosaku and discussions around representation in the arts. This may also lead to more roles for actors from diverse backgrounds as productions seek to highlight inclusivity.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the coming months, the industry may see a push for more diverse storytelling in film and television, inspired by Mosaku's win. This could lead to a rise in projects that explore themes around identity and culture.

Signals to watch

Increased announcements of film and television projects focusing on black stories and talent.
Potential initiatives from film industry bodies aimed at promoting diversity.
Media discussions on the impact of awards on representation in the arts.

Practical guidance

Do

Support projects that promote diversity and representation in the arts.
Engage with discussions around the significance of Mosaku's win.
Explore films and shows that highlight underrepresented voices.

Don’t

Dismiss the importance of representation in the media.
Overlook the impact of individual stories on broader cultural narratives.
Neglect to celebrate and support black talent in the arts.

Checklist

Research upcoming films featuring diverse talent.
Attend local screenings or events supporting diverse storytelling.
Follow discussions on social media about representation in the arts.
Read reviews and articles on films that address cultural identity.
Engage with community organisations promoting the arts.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Wunmi Mosaku's win is a significant milestone, it is important to recognise that the representation of black talent in film and television remains a work in progress. There are still disparities in opportunities and visibility for actors from diverse backgrounds. The impact of Mosaku’s win may take time to fully materialise, and continued advocacy for diversity will be essential.

Bottom line

Wunmi Mosaku's historic Bafta win not only showcases her extraordinary talent but also highlights the ongoing need for representation in the arts. Her journey from immigrant to award-winning actress serves as a beacon of hope for many, reminding us of the importance of embracing our identities and sharing our stories. As the industry evolves, it will be crucial to continue supporting diverse voices and narratives.

FAQs

What role did Wunmi Mosaku win the Bafta for?

Wunmi Mosaku won the Bafta for her role as Annie, a Hoodoo priestess, in the film "Sinners."

Why is Mosaku's win significant?

Her win is significant as she is the first black British actress to win the Best Supporting Actress category at the Bafta Film Awards, promoting representation in the film industry.

What inspired Wunmi Mosaku to become an actress?

Mosaku was inspired to become an actress after watching the musical film "Annie" repeatedly as a child and discovering the world of drama schools.