Ryan Coogler gave an emotional speech at the 17th Annual African American Film Critics Association Awards.
Held in Los Angeles at the Maybourne Beverly Hills on Sunday, he accepted the Best Director award for his acclaimed film Sinners.
Coogler also won the award for Best Writer, and was presented the award by Ava DuVernay. He acknowledged DuVernay as one the early supporters of his work.
“Every man has come up here and cried,” Coogler joked while wiping away tears. “I’m the first one to cry twice. Ava, you made me feel safe in this industry. Every day, knowing that you’re out there, makes me feel safe. I think the love of a Black woman is the most powerful human force on Earth.”
The director is nothing without that crew, without that cast,” he continued. “It’s truly a community-based job. It is a skill, it is a craft, it is a calling, but you need people to do it.”
COOGLER THANKED HIS WIFE AND PRODUCTION PARTNER ZINZI
Coogler thanked the entire cast and his producing partner and wife Zinzi Coogler. He described her as his “better-looking, smarter, wiser …much better half.”
DELROY LINDO AND WUNMI MOSAKU ALSO WON AWARDS
Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku were also honored during the ceremony.
“I’ve never had an introduction like that,” Mosaku said. “I’m humbled and in awe of you [Ralph]. I mean, I’ve watched you my whole life. And so, you’re in her [Annie], too. You’re a part of my journey to her.
I’m really overwhelmed. To be recognized by this community is profoundly meaningful to me,” Mosaku added. “Sinners’ is a film that comes from a deep place of intention about history, culture, memory, faith and survival. And about the ways those things live in our bodies and are passed down through generations.”
Lindo got emotional as he shared the lessons his mother taught him.
“This woman was constantly making lemonade out of the lemons that were placed in front of her,” Lindo said. “Sometimes, those lemons were thrown at her, but she never stopped making lemonade. At a certain point, she started making lemonade expressly for the benefit of her young son. …This moment feels so glorious and on so many levels. I’m profoundly grateful. …This lemonade is made from a recipe, made by my mom.”
Also at the AAFCA Awards, Sinners won for Best Ensemble, Best Music (Ludwig Göransson) and Best Film.