Wunmi Mosaku, a talented actress hailing from a Manchester estate, has received an Oscar nomination for her captivating performance as Annie in the film Sinner. The 39-year-old’s journey to this prestigious recognition has been nothing short of inspiring.
From a young age, Mosaku was enamoured with the 1980s musical Annie, watching it religiously after school. “I said to my mum and sister, ‘I don’t want to do maths and economics, I think I want to act,'” she recalled during a recent interview on The Graham Norton Show. Determined to turn her dreams into reality, Mosaku researched the acting industry, discovering that the renowned actor Albert Finney, who also grew up in Salford, had attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). This revelation propelled Mosaku to audition and secure a place at the prestigious drama school, a decision that would forever change the trajectory of her career.
Mosaku’s portrayal of Annie in Sinner has been widely praised, with the performance tipped for an Oscar nomination since the film’s release in April. This is not the first time Mosaku’s acting has garnered critical acclaim. In 2016, she won a BAFTA TV Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Gloria Taylor in the TV film Damilola, Our Loved Boy, which recounted the tragic story of 10-year-old Damilola Taylor’s murder in 2000.
Mosaku’s impressive filmography includes roles in BBC’s Luther, where she played Det Sgt Catherine Halliday, and ITV’s Passenger, in which she portrayed former Met Police detective Riya Ajunwa. She has also made her mark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, portraying Dr Verity Wills, aka Hunter B-15, in the series Loki and the upcoming film Deadpool & Wolverine.
Despite her growing success, Mosaku remains grounded and protective of her personal life. Earlier this month, she shared an “anti-announcement pregnancy announcement” in British Vogue, expressing her desire to keep this new chapter private, as is customary in her Nigerian culture.
As Mosaku prepares to attend the upcoming awards season, she will do so with an ever-growing bump, embracing the duality of her professional achievements and personal milestones. Her journey from a Manchester estate to an Oscar nomination is a testament to her talent, determination, and the power of dreams to transcend boundaries.
