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Entertainment • Cinematographer

Autumn Durald Arkapaw

Autumn Durald Arkapaw is an American cinematographer known for work on films including *Palo Alto*, *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever*, and *Sinners*, as well as the television series *Loki*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Autumn Durald Arkapaw is an American cinematographer known for her work on films such as *Palo Alto*, *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever*, and *Sinners*, as well as the television series *Loki*. In 2026, she won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography for *Sinners*, becoming the first woman and first Black person to win that award.

Early life and education

Autumn Durald Arkapaw was born as Autumn Cheyenne Durald on December 14, 1979, in Oxnard, California. She later added the surname Arkapaw after marriage. She studied at the American Film Institute and earned an MFA in cinematography in 2009.

Career

Arkapaw has worked on independent films, studio features, and television productions. Her best-known projects include *Palo Alto* (2013), the Marvel series *Loki* (2021–2023), *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever* (2022), and *Sinners* (2025). Her work on the *Loki* episode "Lamentis" earned her a Primetime Creative Arts Emmy nomination for Outstanding Cinematography.

Awards and recognition

Arkapaw was nominated for a Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Award for Outstanding Cinematography for the *Loki* episode "Lamentis". In 2026, she won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography for *Sinners*, becoming the first woman and the first Black person to win that award.

Personal life

In 2015, Arkapaw married Australian cinematographer Adam Arkapaw. The couple has one child.

Key facts

  • Autumn Durald Arkapaw is an American cinematographer working in film and television.
  • Her notable credits include *Palo Alto*, *Loki*, *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever*, and *Sinners*.
  • She won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography in 2026 for *Sinners*, as the first woman and first Black person to do so.
  • She received a Primetime Creative Arts Emmy nomination for the *Loki* episode "Lamentis".
  • She is married to Australian cinematographer Adam Arkapaw.
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Canadian context

No direct Canada-specific connection is established in the available sources. Canadian readers may know her through the international release and awards coverage of *Sinners* and *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever*.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Autumn Durald Arkapaw?
She is an American cinematographer known for work in film and television, including *Loki*, *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever*, and *Sinners*.
What is Autumn Durald Arkapaw known for?
She is best known for her cinematography on visually prominent projects such as *Palo Alto*, *Loki*, *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever*, and *Sinners*.
What award did she win for *Sinners*?
She won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography in 2026 for *Sinners*.
Was she the first woman to win the Oscar for Best Cinematography?
Yes. Sources state that she was the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Cinematography.
Who is Autumn Durald Arkapaw married to?
She is married to Australian cinematographer Adam Arkapaw.
What television work is she known for?
She is known for cinematography on the Marvel series *Loki*, including the episode "Lamentis."

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autumn_Durald_Arkapaw
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birth place, occupation, Emmy nomination, marriage, and child.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2557161/
    Supports: Professional credits, birth place, occupation, marriage, and child.
  3. IndieWire — https://www.indiewire.com/features/interviews/sinners-cinematographer-autumn-durald-arkapaw-interview-1235162632/
    Supports: Cinematography on *Sinners* and technical achievements associated with the film.
  4. American Society of Cinematographers — https://theasc.com/articles/durald-wakanda-forever
    Supports: Work on *Loki* and *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever*.
  5. PBS NewsHour / Associated Press — https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/autumn-durald-arkapaw-makes-history-as-first-woman-cinematographer-to-win-an-oscar
    Supports: 2026 Oscar win for Best Cinematography and historic firsts.
  6. Autumn Durald Arkapaw official site — http://www.autumndurald.com/about
    Supports: AFI education and professional biography.