Wunmi Mosaku Finds Personal Meaning in Sinners' Vampire Metaphor
Bafta-winning actress Wunmi Mosaku has revealed how she deeply connected with the metaphorical message of vampires in Ryan Coogler's groundbreaking historical drama horror film Sinners. The Nigerian-British star, who triumphed in the best supporting actress category at the 2026 Bafta Film Awards, shared profound insights about the film's themes during post-ceremony interviews.
Historic Success for Groundbreaking Film
Sinners has achieved remarkable critical and commercial success since its release last April, securing three 2026 Bafta Film Awards from thirteen nominations. The film enters next month's Oscars as the most nominated movie in Academy history with sixteen nominations, marking a significant milestone for Black-led genre cinema.
Mosaku's victory came against formidable competition, including Teyana Taylor for One Battle After Another, Emily Watson for Hamnet, and Marty Supreme's Odessa A'zion. The actress received enthusiastic cheers in the winners' press room as she discussed the film's impact.
Vampires as Metaphors for Life's Challenges
When asked about working on a Black-led vampire film and its mainstream breakthrough, Mosaku explained: "It always feels good when you walk into a room and you're not the only one. It always feels good when you feel like your story, your experience, is being represented with integrity and creativity."
The actress, who plays herbalist and Hoodoo practitioner Annie in Sinners, elaborated on how director Ryan Coogler's vision of vampires resonated with her personally. "What the vampires represent in my world – as an actor or just as a person – [are] the things that really threaten to rob you of your joy, your freedom, your creativity," she revealed.
Mosaku described this interpretation as both specific and universal, noting: "I think you can take the message from the film and transfer it to any industry. Whatever your purpose is, whatever your creativity is, whatever your science research is – who are the vampires? How are they trying to limit your experience, your purpose, your freedom?"
Representation and Community Impact
The actress reflected on the powerful response from Black women to her Bafta win and the film's success. "Seeing that response from the audience made me realise how lonely it felt – and [then] all of a sudden, these women were in my life who I'd never met, who I felt a kinship to," she shared emotionally.
Mosaku praised Coogler for his inclusive approach, stating: "He didn't have to cast me, but he has been poured into by women who look like me and supported by women who look like me and loved by people who look like me." She became visibly emotional when discussing Coogler's win for best original screenplay, applauding his humility and collaborative spirit on set.
Shock and Celebration
The actress described her initial reaction to winning as complete shock. "I was really, really shocked. I lost my breath, and I couldn't quite believe it," she confessed, adding that her first thought was "that's too fast, she can't possibly have opened the envelope."
Mosaku, who is expecting her second child, said she planned to celebrate with "a really lovely sparkling water and a virgin margarita."
Broader Bafta Success
Beyond Mosaku's personal triumph, Sinners earned additional recognition with composer Ludwig Göransson winning best original score. The film's success was part of a diverse awards evening that saw One Battle After Another secure six awards including best film, while I Swear's Robert Aramayo surprised audiences by winning both the EE Rising Star Award and leading actor categories.
The 2026 Bafta ceremony highlighted the continuing evolution of British and international cinema, with Sinners standing out as both a critical darling and a cultural milestone for representation in genre filmmaking.
