Miles Caton's Meteoric Rise from Sinners to the Oscars Stage
No stranger to the spotlight, Miles Caton, the star of the surprise hit horror musical Sinners, is navigating a whirlwind of success. At just 20 years old, he is up for a Bafta Rising Star award and set to perform at the Oscars, with the film garnering a record 16 Academy Award nominations.
From Bed in New York to Hollywood Dreams
In New York City, Caton spent a morning in bed, glued to his phone after learning of Sinners' historic Oscar nominations. The film, a southern gothic horror set in the 1930s, explores the bloodsucking of Black culture and became a box office sensation, earning $368 million globally. Directed by Ryan Coogler, known for Black Panther and Creed, it co-stars Michael B Jordan. Caton recalls watching Black Panther at age 12 with his family, describing Coogler's work as a cultural touchstone.
A Breakout Role and Glamorous Circles
Since his debut as Sammie, a blues singer in Sinners, Caton has entered glamorous new worlds. He sat front-row at Paris Fashion Week alongside icons like Spike Lee and Beyoncé, worked the awards circuit, and attended the Grammys in a stylish Louis Vuitton jacket. His Bafta Rising Star nomination places him among past winners such as Kristen Stewart and Daniel Kaluuya.
Oscars Performance and Musical Showcase
With the Oscars reinstating live performances, Caton is confirmed to sing I Lied to You, a blues number by Raphael Saadiq and Ludwig Göransson. His rich baritone voice, showcased in a pivotal scene, symbolizes the evolution of Black music through a dynamic tracking shot featuring breakdancers, drummers, and guitarists. Caton emphasizes this scene's importance in depicting musical origins and transitions.
Early Fame and Audition Journey
Caton's path to stardom began early. A viral video of him singing Nina Simone at age 11 led to an appearance in Jay-Z's music video. He auditioned for Sinners after a casting agent spotted him singing backing vocals for HER during Coldplay's tour. Initially unaware of the role's scope, he admits ignorance might have spared him fear. Raised in a musical family, with parents in production and gospel singing, Caton has always aimed for performance.
Voice Development and Personal Connections
Attending the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, Caton's voice deepened dramatically during adolescence, requiring relearning. In Sinners, he drew from his Christian upbringing to portray Sammie's moral struggles, including a raunchy love scene that his family accepted with humor and trust in Coogler's vision.
Family Support and Awards Season Reflections
His aunt's supportive Instagram post highlighted the familial pride in his adult roles. As awards season peaks, Caton, a longtime viewer of shows like the Grammys and Oscars, finds it surreal to now participate. The Baftas air on February 22, with Sinners available on streaming platforms, marking a milestone in his burgeoning career.
