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‘Sinners’ Filmmaker Ryan Coogler Makes Tearful Speech After Big Wins At AAFCA Awards

Ryan Coogler, Photo Credit: Sheri Determan for AAFCA

Sinners director Ryan Coogler let the emotions fly at the 17th annual African American Film Critics Association Awards in Los Angeles.

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At the Feb. 8 ceremony, Coogler took home multiple awards, including Best Writer, according to WBLS.

Coogler cried twice at the event. In one acceptance speech, Coogler shouted out his big supporter, fellow filmmaker Ava DuVernay, who presented him the award for Best Writer.

NiteCast media shared a snippet of the heartwarming event.

“Every man has come up here and cried,” Coogler joked while wiping away tears. “I’m the first one to cry twice. Ava, you made me feel safe in this industry. Every day, knowing that you’re out there makes me feel safe. I think the love of a Black woman is the most powerful human force on Earth.”

He then shined a light on all the people who brought his vision of Sinners

to life.

“The director is nothing without that crew, without that cast,” he continued. “It’s truly a community-based job. It is a skill, it is a craft, it is a calling, but you need people to do it.”

Coogler singled out his wife, Zinzi, who co-produced Sinners, calling her his “better-looking, smarter, wiser…much better half.”

Sinners took home multiple awards from the evening,

including Best Ensemble, Best Music (film composer Ludwig Göransson), and Best Film. The film’s other stars, including Miles Caton, Wunmi Mosaku, and Delroy Lindo, were also honored for their work.

Hosted by Former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, the AAFCA recognized its Top Ten films of the year, which included Sinners.

The awards season continues for Coogler as Sinners prepares for its night at the Oscars with a record-breaking 16 ] nominations.

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