Wunmi Mosaku Reflects on Her Oscar Nomination Amid U.S. Political Challenges: Balancing Joy and Dismay
Wunmi Mosaku, star of Sinners, has expressed difficulty in celebrating her first Oscar nomination amidst ongoing crises in the United States linked to immigration action. The actress noted the harsh realities surrounding ICE-related incidents, including recent killings and kidnappings, which overshadow her personal achievement.
In an interview with The Times U.K., the Nigerian-born Brit shared that she initially missed the Oscar announcement due to a scheduling mix-up. “I heard my husband on the phone and asked him why he was up,” she recalled with laughter. “He said, ‘Baby, you just got nominated for an Oscar.’ I said, ‘No, the announcement’s at 8:30 a.m.’”
Regarding her nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as healer and spiritual leader Annie, Mosaku stated, “I’ve not been able to celebrate because of what’s going on right now, with the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minnesota and the kidnapping of a 5-year-old boy. It’s difficult to hold both the nomination and the news because one feels beautiful and one is so dark and heavy; truly dystopian — how can I possibly go out and buy some drinks and enjoy the moment?”
Watch on Deadline
She further remarked on the reaction of her U.S.-born partner, noting, “He’s not as shocked as I am at the news. There’s a very strange American psyche where terrible things happen and people still can go to work the next day, whereas I’m floored for a week and think, ‘How are people going to crowded places when this has just happened?’ I want a cocoon. My reaction reminds him that this is not normal.”
The tragic events she referenced include the death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti, killed by federal agents in late January, just weeks following the fatal shooting of Renee Good on January 7. The Trump administration announced it would not investigate Good’s manner of death, even as prosecutors had initiated their own inquiries. The FBI and Customs and Border Protection are currently investigating Pretti’s death and plan to release body camera footage of the incident. Additionally, 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father have since been released from custody.
In addition to Mosaku’s nomination, Sinners has been recognized with a record-breaking 15 additional nominations, including categories for Best Picture, Actor (Michael B. Jordan), Screenplay, and Director (Ryan Coogler).
