Zinzi Coogler and 'Sinners' Women Honored at Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards

The producer and key creatives behind the acclaimed vampire drama receive touching tribute.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:54pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

At the Essence Black Women in Hollywood awards, producer Zinzi Coogler, cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, production designer Hannah Beachler, costume designer Ruth E. Carter, hair designer Shunika Terry-Jennings, and stars Wunmi Mosaku and Jayme Lawson were honored for their work on the hit film 'Sinners'. Zinzi Coogler gave an emotional speech reflecting on the sacrifices of her and Ryan Coogler's parents that allowed them to pursue their creative dreams, and called on the community to protect their stories.

Why it matters

The recognition of the women behind the success of 'Sinners' highlights the important contributions of diverse creatives in the film industry. The Essence Black Women in Hollywood awards shine a light on the achievements of Black women, who have historically been underrepresented and undervalued in Hollywood.

The details

During the Essence Black Women in Hollywood luncheon, the women of 'Sinners' were celebrated for their work on the acclaimed vampire drama. Producer Zinzi Coogler, cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, production designer Hannah Beachler, costume designer Ruth E. Carter, hair designer Shunika Terry-Jennings, and stars Wunmi Mosaku and Jayme Lawson took the stage to accept the honor. In an emotional speech, Zinzi Coogler reflected on the sacrifices of her and Ryan Coogler's parents that allowed them to pursue their creative dreams, and called on the community to protect their stories from being 'altered, removed or rewritten'.

  • The Essence Black Women in Hollywood awards took place on Thursday, March 13, 2026.

The players

Zinzi Coogler

The producer of the hit film 'Sinners' and the business partner of Ryan Coogler and Sev Ohanian.

Autumn Durald Arkapaw

The cinematographer of 'Sinners'.

Hannah Beachler

The production designer of 'Sinners'.

Ruth E. Carter

The costume designer of 'Sinners'.

Shunika Terry-Jennings

The hair designer of 'Sinners'.

Wunmi Mosaku

An actress in 'Sinners'.

Jayme Lawson

An actress in 'Sinners'.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm still in the infancy of my career and a student of my collaborators. I am here today to accept this as my opportunity to thank my community who have championed and poured into me, Ryan, and our business partner, Sev [Ohanian], for the audacious stories we mustered up the bravery to tell. I wouldn't have dared to imagine the life that I walk today could exist for someone like me.”

— Zinzi Coogler, Producer

“It's up to us to be the protectors of our stories to keep them from being altered, removed or rewritten. It is how we stay connected to our ancestors, our elders and our children.”

— Zinzi Coogler, Producer

The takeaway

The recognition of the women behind the success of 'Sinners' at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood awards underscores the importance of elevating diverse voices and perspectives in the film industry. Their achievements serve as an inspiration for aspiring creatives and a reminder of the need to protect and amplify underrepresented stories.