UC alums win Oscars, make history

Going into the 98th Academy Awards, two films, "One Battle After Another" and "Sinners," were seen as favorites across many categories - and thanks to the contributions of UC alumni, both won their fair share.

"Sinners" collected four Oscars from a record-breaking 16 nominations, including "Best Cinematography," thanks to the eye of UCLA Extension alumna Autumn Durald Arkapaw, the first woman, first nominee of Asian descent, and first Black nominee to win an Oscar in that category. Produced by UC San Diego alumnus Sev Ohanian, "Sinners" also won for Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Score.

"One Battle After Another," winner of six Oscars, including "Best Picture," also won "Best Film Editing," thanks to the work of UC Santa Barbara alumnus Andy Jurgensen, working on his fourth Paul Thomas Anderson film.

Learn more about each UC winner and their work below:

Autumn Durald Arkapaw, UCLA Extension

"I really want all the women in the room to stand up, because I feel like I don't get here without you guys. I really, really, truly mean that. I have felt so much love from all of the women on this whole campaign."

Arkapaw, who won the Academy Award for her work on Ryan Coogler's "Sinners," did not take a traditional path in film, but found her footing after an old advertising boss bought her a night course at UCLA Extension to get her started. Now she's gone from only the fourth woman ever nominated for Best Cinematography to its very first winner. Read about her journey at IndieWire or listen on Spotify.

Sev Ohanian, UC San Diego

"This man [Ryan Coogler] wrote like you could not believe. That first draft was phenomenal. And I really think it's because the story was inside of him his whole life."

In this sit-down interview, UC San Diego alumnus Sev Ohanian describes how "Sinners" came together with cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw. Read more about the making of "Sinners" and Ohanian's own origin story, rooted at UC San Diego, in this UC San Diego piece.

Andy Jurgensen, UC Santa Barbara

"I'd like to dedicate this to my aunt, Barbara Hall, who was a film archivist for the Academy for over 25 years. She loved her job and she loved showing me old movies and teaching me about film history and I miss her every day."

Born and raised in Orange County, Jurgensen was introduced to the film world by his aunt and uncle, who worked as archivists at the Motion Picture Academy. "They would show me old movies, and take me to different events," he said. "That's how I got into film."

It was during his time at UC Santa Barbara - he graduated in 2004 - that he discovered the artistry of editing.

"Editing is absolutely a skill that we emphasize in our students," said Carsey-Wolf Center assistant director Miguel Penabella, who will moderate the post-screening discussion with Jurgensen. "Editing is not just a technical skill that connects one scene to another, but a creative process that produces meaning and emotional impact.

"Just as a sculptor chooses what to remove or emphasize, an editor similarly shapes from the raw footage the film's rhythm and structure, working with the director to make something precise and meaningful. Students often find their artistic voice in the editing room."

Read more about Andy here at the UC Santa Barbara Newsroom.