Oscar-nominated actress Wunmi Mosaku shared her experience working alongside actor Michael B. Jordan and director Ryan Coogler in the film Sinners, a project that recently broke the record with 16 Academy Award nominations. The Nigerian-born performer, recognized for her role in Sinners, praised the depth and authenticity she found in her collaboration with Jordan, highlighting the creative synergy that fueled their performances.
Initial Draw to Ryan Coogler’s Vision
Mosaku explained that what initially attracted her to the film was Ryan Coogler’s involvement, anticipating a project that would bring cultural relevance and visual excellence. Upon receiving the first pages of the script, she was immediately captured by the nuanced storytelling and the way the characters’ emotions were portrayed without heavy-handed explanation.
“When I read the first seven pages that I was sent, it was a scene between Annie and Smoke. I was bowled over by the depth and breadth of their humanity, love, grief, fears, joys, similarities, and differences. In seven pages, to have written that so succinctly and clearly without any battering over the head with exposition, I’ve never read anything quite like it,”
Mosaku said about the opening scene that won her over.
She went on to describe how the characters on the page, whether flawed or admirable, felt fully realized and complex, which made her deeply invested in the story.
Collaborative Chemistry with Michael B. Jordan
Mosaku praised Michael B. Jordan not only for his intense dedication to his role but also for his leadership on set, describing their partnership as supportive and creatively liberating. She emphasized how their interactions allowed for exploration without fear, creating a safe space to push artistic boundaries.
“Michael is such a passionate leader and a diligent and detailed actor, so as a scene partner, I couldn’t ask for anything more,”
she remarked.
“We created such a safe, creative space that there were no wrong answers. If I were scared, if he was scared, we’d talk about it, and we’d say, there is no wrong. If you have the instinct, just go for it, and that was quite liberating and scary, but also scary in a good way because we were really pushing ourselves, challenging ourselves, and trying to make sure we weren’t sticking in our zone of comfort. He’s really great at that and inspiring everyone to push. Whether it’s professionally or personally, his work in this is so clear and detailed. I could tell if he was Smoke with my back turned. I could tell the moment he walked onto set with or without his costume, which character he was going to tackle first. His energy, his vibration, everything was so specific.”
Ryan Coogler’s Leadership Style on Set
In addition to her thoughts on Michael B. Jordan, Mosaku reflected on Ryan Coogler’s role as director and writer, praising his approach to leadership and teamwork. She described Coogler as a firm yet gentle leader who fosters a sense of family among the cast and crew, trusting each person’s expertise and emphasizing collaboration.
“Ryan is such a strong and clear leader, but he does it in such a gentle way,”
Mosaku shared.
“He creates family first. We are here to share and create, and he trusts each person in their role, whether it’s the set design, whether it’s DoP [director of photography], whether it’s an actor, whether it’s catering, he treats each person, each character, each role on set as a head of department. That you are equipped to do your work brilliantly; that is how he makes you feel.”
The Impact of Michael B. Jordan Collaboration on the Film’s Success
The collaboration between Mosaku, Jordan, and Coogler has not only elevated the storytelling but has contributed significantly to Sinners’ unprecedented recognition during the awards season. Their dynamic partnership highlights the importance of trust, fearless creativity, and shared passion in bringing complex characters to life on screen.
With the film’s record-breaking 16 Academy Award nominations, Mosaku’s reflections on her work with Michael B. Jordan emphasize the dedication and artistry behind these achievements, setting a high standard for future collaborations in cinema.
