Wunmi Mosaku on the Most Surprising Moments in ‘Sinners’

Sinners Shatters Records and Hearts: Wunmi Mosaku Calls Ryan Coogler’s Script “Perfect” in Candid Oscar-Nominated Chat

In a cinematic triumph that has taken Hollywood by storm, Sinners has officially cemented its place in history as the most Oscar-nominated film of all time, setting the stage for what promises to be a dazzling awards night on March 15. Among its many accolades, the film has earned a well-deserved nod for Best Supporting Actress for Wunmi Mosaku, whose portrayal of Annie—a Hoodoo-practicing, spiritually attuned force of nature—has captivated audiences and critics alike.

Mosaku, who stars alongside Oscar nominee Michael B. Jordan (Smoke) and Delroy Lindo, recently sat down with Deadline for a group interview that offered a rare glimpse into the magic behind the film. Director Ryan Coogler, also an Oscar nominee, joined the conversation, which quickly turned to the brilliance of the Sinners screenplay.

When asked about her experience with the script, Mosaku didn’t hold back. “I don’t think there was a scene that I didn’t think was going to work,” she said, her admiration for Coogler’s writing evident. “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.”

For Mosaku, the perfection of the script was just the beginning. Watching the film come to life on screen revealed layers of depth and spontaneity that even she hadn’t anticipated. One standout moment was the chain gang scene, where the improvisational interplay between Stack, Delta Slim, and blues prodigy Miles Caton brought an electrifying energy to the screen. “When I watched it, I was like, ‘Wow, was that in the script? I don’t remember that being in the script,'” Mosaku recalled, her awe palpable. “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.”

The magic of Sinners wasn’t confined to the big moments. On set, even the smallest changes had a profound impact. Mosaku recounted a pivotal scene between Annie and Smoke in the shop, where Coogler made a subtle but transformative adjustment. “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.”

The interview also delved into the lighter side of filmmaking, with the cast sharing a humorous anecdote about the sweet treat that stood in for garlic during a key vampire-adjacent scene. It’s these behind-the-scenes moments that remind us of the collaborative spirit and creativity that brought Sinners to life.

As the film continues to dominate awards season, Mosaku’s performance as Annie stands out as a testament to the power of storytelling and the magic of cinema. With its record-breaking Oscar nominations and a cast that brings every scene to life with authenticity and heart, Sinners is more than just a film—it’s a cultural phenomenon.

For fans eager to dive deeper into the world of Sinners and beyond, Deadline‘s full interview offers a treasure trove of insights and behind-the-scenes stories. And for those hungry for more io9 news, stay tuned for updates on the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, the future of the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the next chapter of Doctor Who.

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