Through Well, Abdur-Rahman
February 15, 2026
The acclaimed director took home the awards for Best Director and Writer at the 17th annual ceremony.
Ryan Coogler let the emotions flow during his acceptance speech for Best Director at the 17th annual African American Film Critics Association Awards.
The AACFA Awards took place on February 8 in Los Angeles, with the acclaimed filmmaker winning the coveted prize for his 2025 film, ‘Sinners’. During the historic night for Black’s film performance, Coogler took home multiple awards, including Best Writer, according to WBLS.
The moment was not lost on Coogler, who cried twice at his recognition by the association. In one of his acceptance speeches, Coogler shouted out his big supporter, who also presented him with the award, fellow filmmaker Ava DuVernay. NiteCast media shared a clip of the heartwarming event.
“Every man has come here and cried,” Coogler joked as he wiped away tears. “I’m the first to cry twice. Ava, you’ve made me feel safe in this industry. Every day I feel safe knowing you’re there. I think a black woman’s love is the most powerful human force on earth.”
He then shined a light on all the people who brought his vision of “Sinners” to life, calling filmmaking a “community-oriented task” that is the accumulation of everyone’s hard work.
“The director is nothing without that crew, without that cast,” he continued. “It’s really a community job. It’s a skill, it’s a craft, it’s a calling, but you need people to do it.”
The Gushing Husband, co-produced by Coogler’s own wife, Zinzi, breathed life into his creative and romantic partner as he helped bring his story to fruition. Calling her his “prettier, smarter, wiser…much better half,” the event itself was a recognition of Coogler’s career by his cultural and cinematic peers at the AAFCA.
“Sinners” took home several awards that evening, including Best Ensemble, Best Music (awarded to film composer Ludwig Göransson) and Best Film. The film’s other stars, including Miles Caton, Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo, also received awards for their work.
Presented by the former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, the AAFCA recognized the top ten films of the year, including Sinners. Comprised of esteemed black film critics nationally and internationally, the annual awards ceremony draws attention to the achievements from directors, actors and others involved in the filmmaking process.
Awards season also continues for the acclaimed director, as Coogler and “Sinners” prepare for their night at the Oscars with a historic 16 nominations.
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