Two years ago, Miles Caton was largely unknown beyond a brief church play, but today he stands at the epicenter of Hollywood buzz following the unprecedented success of the film Sinners. On the morning the Oscar nominations were announced, Caton’s film made history by securing 16 nods—a record-breaking total surpassing iconic movies like Titanic, La La Land, and All About Eve. This Leonardo DiCaprio encounter only adds to the surreal atmosphere surrounding Caton’s life as his career rapidly ascends.
Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan as one of the gangster twins, the Smoke and Stack characters, who return to their Mississippi roots in the 1930s only to become entangled in a violent and mysterious nightmare. At the core of the story is Sammie, played by Caton, a preacher’s son and sharecropper with a remarkable gift for blues guitar and a voice that leaves a lasting impression.
From Viral Child Performer to Breakout Star
Caton’s path to fame was anything but typical. He first caught public attention as a child after posting a cover of Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good,” a performance that gained Jay-Z’s notice and was eventually sampled on the rapper’s album 4:44. His early exposure included an appearance on the talent show Little Big Shots, hosted by Steve Harvey.
By his mid-teens, Caton was already touring globally as a backing vocalist for H.E.R., balancing his education online while sharing stages with major acts like Coldplay. He flew between prestigious events—from the New Orleans Jazz Festival to his high school prom and from Global Citizen Live in Paris to his graduation—showcasing a remarkable combination of drive and talent.
Discovery and Collaboration with Ryan Coogler
During his time touring with H.E.R., Caton was spotted by an agent from Creative Artists Agency while performing, sparking the audition process for Sinners. After multiple callbacks, Ryan Coogler personally reached out from an Oakland number and offered Caton a transformative opportunity. Since then, Caton has become both a protégé and a valued collaborator of Coogler, who he regards as a mentor and guiding force through the whirlwind of his rising career.
“Seeing the way he works, seeing how he treats people, was the first major thing that stood out to me,”
Caton remarks.
“He’s an extremely kind and generous person. And it’s really who he is — it’s not a front. I think that’s what makes people want to work with him, and what makes his films so special.”
– Miles Caton
Emotional Impact of Recognition and Awards Season
The accolades for Caton’s performance in Sinners have been pouring in, including a Critics’ Choice Award and a nomination for the EE Rising Star at the BAFTAs, a prestigious category that has previously honored actors such as Tom Hardy, Daniel Kaluuya, and Kristen Stewart. His talent is also acknowledged with multiple nominations across Grammys, BAFTAs, and Actor Awards, signaling his emergence as a major creative force.
Despite these achievements, Caton remains grounded yet emotional about the vulnerability of sharing his art with the world.
“You can’t dictate how people are going to feel about your art. So just see the recognition and to see that people love it and respected, and appreciated it that always is like a extra boost of confidence and like just a great feeling.”
– Miles Caton
He has formed a support network with fellow nominees, including British actors Archie Madekwe, Robert Aramayo, Posy Sterling, and American peer Chase Infiniti. Caton emphasizes the importance of shared experiences during the intensity of awards season.
“I mean, she’s had an amazing year as well,”
he says of Infiniti, who is also nominated for Best Actress.
“And we’ve kind of just been supporting each other, cheering each other on. And it’s been amazing to be able to have peers in this award season… It can be hectic, it can be crazy. So that people who are kind of going through it with you, is cool.”
– Miles Caton
Insights Gained from Working with a Master Filmmaker
Coogler’s influence on Caton extends beyond the screen; observing his work ethic and creative process has had a profound effect on Caton’s own ambitions.
“Seeing his work ethic, his attention to detail, the knowledge he has — that definitely made me want to sharpen my tools,”
Caton conveys.
“In music, in acting, in creativity in general. Knowledge is power, and I think that’s something he really exudes.”
– Miles Caton
Coogler continues to offer guidance during the demanding awards circuit, encouraging Caton to maintain focus and surround himself with a team that understands and supports his creative vision.
“He’s just been giving me advice throughout this press run — to stay grateful, to lock in with my team, to make sure I have a good support system who understands my vision and knows where I want to go,”
Caton shares.
“So it’s been a lot of support from him.”
– Miles Caton
Anticipation Around Future Projects and Roles
While attention is already shifting to Ryan Coogler’s upcoming film, the third installment of the Black Panther series slated for 2028, Caton, a lifelong superhero enthusiast, remains tight-lipped about his involvement but stays hopeful.
“Hey, I don’t know what’s going on,”
he laughs. “But I’m always ready.”
Alongside acting, Caton continues to develop his music career, having released a single titled Somethin’ at the end of 2025, working on an EP, and planning a tour later in the year. He aspires to balance both artistic avenues and even dreams of portraying legendary singer Sam Cooke in a biopic.
“Music and acting are both rising at the same time. I feel lucky I don’t have to choose.”
— Miles Caton
Moments with Cultural Icons and Personal Milestones
Since breaking into the spotlight, Caton has found himself in remarkable social settings, mingling with long-standing idols from diverse creative realms. From greeting Tom Cruise at the Governor’s Awards to conversations with Leonardo DiCaprio and Chris Brown, and sharing a stage with Stevie Wonder and Alice Smith, these encounters underscore the rapid evolution of Caton’s world.
“I spoke to Tom Cruise at the Governor Awards,”
he recalls.
“He told me I did a great job in the film. I spoke to Leonardo DiCaprio. I just met Chris Brown at the Louis Vuitton show. I met Stevie Wonder at a show I performed with Alice Smith. These are people I’ve been inspired by musically and creatively — just being around them is crazy.”
– Miles Caton
Looking Ahead to New Opportunities and Experiences
Amid the whirlwind, Caton is still taking time to absorb the rapid shifts in his life. Next on his agenda after attending the BAFTAs in London is to indulge in a personal passion: seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
“I want to go to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,”
Caton says with a grin.
“I love Harry Potter, so I want to see it.”
– Miles Caton
His journey from Brooklyn to Hollywood stardom encompasses music, acting, and shared moments with some of the world’s greatest talents. This Leonardo DiCaprio encounter marks just one memorable chapter in what promises to be an extraordinary career.
