Wunmi Mosaku Praises 'Sinners' Script, Highlights Surprising Moments

The Oscar nominee discusses the 'perfect' screenplay and unexpected on-set improvisations that elevated key scenes.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Wunmi Mosaku, who is nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the Oscar-nominated film "Sinners", praised director Ryan Coogler's "perfect" screenplay in a recent interview. While the script was well-crafted, Mosaku was still surprised by certain moments that emerged during filming, including an improvised blues performance in a chain gang scene and a line change that "broke the whole scene open" between her character Annie and Michael B. Jordan's Smoke.

Why it matters

Mosaku's insights provide a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process behind one of the most acclaimed films of the year, highlighting how even a "perfect" script can evolve through collaboration and spontaneity on set. Her comments also underscore the exceptional performances that have made "Sinners" a frontrunner at this year's Academy Awards.

The details

In the interview, Mosaku discussed two specific moments that stood out to her when watching the final film. The first was a scene featuring the characters Stack, Delta Slim, and Miles (played by Caton), where the "blues came out" through improvisation that Mosaku didn't recall being in the original script. The second was when Coogler changed a line of dialogue between Mosaku's character Annie and Jordan's Smoke, switching from "Why are you here, Smoke?" to "Elijah, why are you here?" - an alteration that "elevated the scene" according to the actress.

  • "Sinners" is set to be honored at the Academy Awards on March 15, 2026.

The players

Wunmi Mosaku

An Oscar-nominated actress for her supporting role in the film "Sinners".

Ryan Coogler

The director of "Sinners", who is also an Oscar nominee for the film's screenplay.

Michael B. Jordan

An Oscar-nominated actor who stars in "Sinners" as the character Smoke.

Delroy Lindo

An Oscar-nominated actor who appears in "Sinners".

Stack, Delta Slim, and Miles (Caton)

Characters in "Sinners" who improvised a blues performance that surprised Mosaku.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think there was a scene that I didn't think was going to work. I read it, and I thought it was a perfect script. I felt all of the characters. I really loved all of the characters and cared about them.”

— Wunmi Mosaku, Actress (Deadline)

“The scene that took me by surprise was the chain gang scene and the improvisation between Stack, Delta Slim, and Miles [Caton], and seeing the blues come out of that moment, it was so profound. When I watched it, I was like, 'Wow, was that in the script? I don't remember that being in the script.' And just being completely in awe of their openness and their flexibility and their reception to the emotion that was being built up in the scene and Ryan not calling, 'Cut' at the end of the monologue. It just took me by surprise, but the scene itself was perfect and then these moments of genius come through.”

— Wunmi Mosaku, Actress (Deadline)

“There was another scene with Smoke and Annie in the shop when [Ryan] changed the second line from, 'Why are you here, Smoke?' to 'Elijah, why are you here?' And that was like, again, I thought it was a perfect script, a perfect scene, but then just calling him by his name broke the whole scene open to something else. It elevated the scene, it was just beautiful.”

— Wunmi Mosaku, Actress (Deadline)

What’s next

The 2026 Academy Awards ceremony, where "Sinners" is expected to be a major contender, will take place on March 15.

The takeaway

Mosaku's insights highlight how even a meticulously crafted screenplay can be elevated through collaboration and spontaneity on set, underscoring the exceptional artistry behind the making of "Sinners" - one of the most acclaimed films of the year.