Two decades later, she is nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role at the 98th Academy Awards in Los Angeles for her portrayal of Hoodoo priestess Annie in the film Sinners.
A Mother’s Leap of Faith
Mosaku’s journey, she says, would not have been possible without her mother’s willingness to defy expectations. In a family conscious of financial limitations and the pressures often faced by immigrants to pursue stable, conventional careers, choosing acting was a bold step.
Her mother paid for her audition at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), giving her a £30 cheque at a time when money was tight. She also allowed her teenage daughter to travel to London alone for the audition — a decision that would mark the beginning of Mosaku’s professional training.
“We’re an immigrant family and sometimes you want to play it as safe as possible,” Mosaku reflected, acknowledging the natural desire for security and guaranteed employment. Instead, her mother removed that pressure and urged her to follow her instincts.
That early support laid the emotional and practical foundation for her career. Today, Mosaku credits not only her mother but also her siblings, husband and daughter for sustaining her through the uncertainties of the acting profession.
Manchester Roots
Raised in Manchester, Mosaku’s artistic development began long before drama school. From the age of seven to 18, she was a member of the Manchester Girls Choir, an experience she describes as one of her most treasured memories.
The weekly rehearsals, the shared discipline, and the resonance of dozens of young voices singing together left a lasting impression. The choir instilled confidence, community and a love of performance that would later inform her work on stage and screen.
Recognition on the Global Stage
Her Oscar nomination is the latest milestone in a career marked by steady acclaim. Days after the Academy Awards nod, she received a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the BAFTA Awards. She has also earned recognition at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, underscoring the industry’s appreciation for her performance in Sinners.
For Mosaku, the nominations are especially meaningful because of the emotional investment behind the project. The film, she said, was a labour of love for its cast and crew, and the enthusiastic response from audiences has been deeply affirming.
She is no stranger to accolades. Earlier in her career, she won a BAFTA TV Award for her portrayal of Gloria Taylor in the television film Damilola, Our Loved Boy, demonstrating her range and depth as a performer.
Inside Sinners
Written and directed by Ryan Coogler, the genre-blending Sinners follows Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as twin brothers, Smoke and Stack, who return to 1930s Mississippi to defend their hometown from vampires.
Mosaku’s portrayal of Annie, a powerful Hoodoo priestess, brings spiritual gravitas and emotional complexity to the story. Her performance anchors the film’s supernatural elements in cultural history and human resilience.
Full Circle
The arc from a budget bus ride to Hollywood’s grandest stage speaks to perseverance, talent and the transformative power of belief. For Mosaku, the journey is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the quiet sacrifices parents make and the risks they take so their children can dream freely.
As the 98th Academy Awards approach, her story stands as a reminder that even the most modest beginnings can lead to the brightest lights — when courage, opportunity and unwavering support converge.