Nigerian actress, Wunmi Mosaku, shines bright at BAFTA

British-Nigerian actress, Wunmi Mosaku has become the first black British winner of the supporting actress category at the Bafta film awards.

The 39-year-old, who was born in Zaria, but was raised in Manchester, was awarded for her role as the Hoodoo priestess Annie in Sinners.

The actress who is currently pregnant, expressed her excitement for the achievement. She spoke about the character, Annie, stating that she found parts of herself in her.

“I found a part of myself in Annie, a part of my hopes, my ancestral power and connection, parts I thought I had lost or tried to dim as an immigrant trying to fit in. It always feels good when you feel like your story and your experience is being represented with integrity and creativity,” she said.

Wunmi stressed the importance of recognition and representation for black women. She revealed that she was shocked about her victory, stressing that she was not expecting it.

“The response of black women feeling seen, loved, valued, treasured, and the power of our ancestry and the spirituality. For me, seeing that response made me realise how lonely I felt and all of a sudden these women were in my life who I’d never met, I felt a kinship to. I was like, ‘That can’t be right’. I was really shocked and I lost my breath and couldn’t quite believe it,” she stated.