Oluwunmi Mosaku, the exceptionally talented Nigerian-born British actress celebrated for her captivating roles in genre-bending hits like HBO’s Lovecraft Country and Marvel’s Loki, is currently enthralling audiences in Sinners.
Directed by the acclaimed Ryan Coogler, Sinners has now arrived in theatres, plunging viewers into a terrifying and atmospheric tale set in the Jim Crow South, where Mosaku’s compelling performance as Annie adds another layer of intrigue to this unique blend of historical drama and supernatural horror.
Born in Zaria, Nigeria, in 1986, Mosaku’s journey to becoming a celebrated actress is a story of talent and dedication. Her family’s move to Manchester, England, when she was a young child exposed her to a new world while retaining the rich cultural heritage of her Nigerian roots. Her formative years in Manchester, marked by her education at Trinity Church of England High School and Xaverian Sixth Form College, also included an extensive eleven-year stint with the Manchester Girls Choir, instilling in her a discipline and appreciation for performance that would serve her well.
The influence of her parents, both professors in Nigeria, fostered a strong emphasis on education and intellectual curiosity. Even as her mother later pursued entrepreneurship and her father returned to Nigeria, their early guidance and the vibrant spirit of her birthplace remained integral to her development. Mosaku’s passion for embodying diverse characters and telling compelling stories led her to the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. Graduating in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in acting.
Her early career saw her grace the stage in productions like The Great Theatre of the World at the Arcola Theatre (2007), Rough Crossings at the Lyric Hammersmith (2008), The Vertical Hour (2010), and “Truth and Reconciliation” (2011) at the Royal Court Theatre. Mosaku’s talent also began to shine on screen. In 2009, her powerful portrayal of Joy in the BBC Two miniseries Moses Jones earned her the Best Actress in a Miniseries award at the Rome Fiction Festival, signaling her arrival as a significant on-screen presence. This was followed by roles in series like Vera (2011-2012) and films like I Am Slave (2010), for which she received numerous accolades for her compelling performance as a young Sudanese girl sold into slavery.
Mosaku continued to impress with her versatility, appearing in the Black Mirror episode Playtest (2016) and the BBC miniseries Capital (2015). However, it was her deeply moving portrayal of Gloria Taylor in the 2016 television film Damilola, Our Loved Boy that earned her the 2017 BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actress, a testament to her ability to convey profound emotion and nuance.
Her film work also garnered significant recognition, particularly her leading role as Rial in the critically acclaimed His House (2020), a haunting story of South Sudanese refugees in Britain. Her performance earned her a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress and a British Independent Film Award for Best Performance by an Actress.
More recently, Mosaku has gained widespread recognition for her roles in major genre productions. She appeared in the fifth series of Luther (2019) before captivating audiences as Ruby Baptiste in HBO’s Lovecraft Country (2020), a role that earned her critical praise and nominations from the Screen Actors Guild and the Critics’ Choice Television Awards. Her portrayal of Ruby, navigating complex themes of race and the supernatural, was a standout in the series.
Joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Mosaku brought her compelling presence to the role of Hunter B-15 in the Disney+ series Loki (2021-2023), becoming a fan-favourite character known for her strength and evolving perspective. She recently reprised this role in Deadpool & Wolverine (2024), further solidifying her place in popular culture.
Now, Wunmi Mosaku takes on a key role in Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, a film that blends elements of historical drama, action and supernatural horror. Set in the Jim Crow South of 1932, the film follows twin brothers (both played by Michael B. Jordan) who return to their Mississippi Delta hometown to open a juke joint, only to encounter a malevolent evil that threatens their lives and the community.
Mosaku portrays Annie, a Hoodoo conjurer who brings her unique skills and perspective to the unfolding events. The cast also includes Hailee Steinfeld, Delroy Lindo, Jack O’Connell and Omar Benson Miller, creating a rich ensemble within Coogler’s atmospheric and tense narrative.
Sinners premiered on April 3, and officially opened in theatres in the United States on April 18 to overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. The film has been lauded for its unique blend of genres, its powerful performances, and its exploration of historical context through a supernatural lens.
Audiences can now witness Wunmi Mosaku’s compelling portrayal of Annie, which is already being highlighted as a crucial element of the film’s success, showcasing her ability to bring depth and intrigue to a character operating within a world of both human and otherworldly threats.
•Featured image: Instagram
