From Art History to Oscar History: Autumn Durald Arkapaw ’02 Discovered Her Passion for Film at LMU

LMU art history alumna Autumn Durald Arkapaw '02 earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography for her work on "Sinners," making her the first woman of color ever nominated in the category.

A proud LMU Lion, Durald Arkapaw tells Vogue that a genre film course changed her life, sparking her passion for the medium. Her path from LMU's classrooms to Hollywood's biggest stage is emblematic of her deep visual curiosity and commitment to storytelling, and it beautifully illustrates the power of an interdisciplinary education.

"At LMU's College of Communication and Fine Arts, we encourage students to explore the full spectrum of creative and intellectual inquiry because we know that great storytellers draw from many sources. Autumn's journey is a testament to the wide range of career pathways our graduates pursue, and to the way an LMU CFA education equips them not only with critical and creative skill, but with the curiosity, adaptability, and artistic vision to thrive in whatever field they choose," says Dean Bryant Keith Alexander.

"A degree in art history provides a powerful foundation for a cinematographer," says Chair of Art History Kirstin Noreen. "At its core, Cinematography is visual storytelling, and art history teaches students to analyze images critically, understand how visual forms and material culture produce meaning, and situate representations within broader historical and cultural contexts. The department proudly celebrates Autumn for her groundbreaking accomplishments and for demonstrating how those skills can shape storytelling at the highest levels of cinema."

Durald Arkapaw, who is of Filipino and African American Creole descent, has become a powerful symbol of representation in an industry where women, especially women of color, have long been underrepresented in technical roles. Her landmark nomination comes as "Sinners," directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, makes waves across Hollywood with a record-breaking 16 Oscar nominations, the most in Academy Awards history. The film, praised for its bold visual language and technical ambition, was shot using IMAX 65mm and Ultra Panavision 70, making Arkapaw the first female cinematographer to film on these large-format systems.

Before "Sinners," Durald Arkapaw had already developed a distinguished portfolio, contributing her signature aesthetic to projects including "Palo Alto," "Loki," and "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever." But the recognition for "Sinners" (which has already earned her accolades from major critics' associations) marks a career-defining achievement.

In interviews following the nomination, Durald Arkapaw reflected on the significance of the moment, both personally and historically. As only the fourth woman ever nominated for Best Cinematography, she emphasized her hope that this recognition will inspire young filmmakers who may not yet see themselves represented behind the camera. "To have other people, like young girls and boys, see you out there, speaking about what you do and showing them it matters, that's been really fun," she shared with Variety.

In both her artistry and her impact, Durald Arkapaw reflects the heart of Ignatian tradition: pursuing excellence, uplifting community, and contributing to a more just and inspired world. As she prepares to attend the Oscars, her historic nomination stands as a triumphant moment for LMU, for women in film, and for communities long deserving of greater visibility in Hollywood.

Read more about Durald Arkapaw in Esquire, Vogue, Vanity Fair, American Cinematographer, and The Hollywood Reporter.