British-Nigerian actress Wunmi Mosaku has sparked a fiery debate after she claimed that she has been unable to celebrate her first Academy Award nomination due to the current political turmoil in the United States.
The 39-year-old, recognised in the Best Supporting Actress category for her portrayal of Annie in Ryan Coogler’s horror film Sinners, has said that recent events have overshadowed her achievement.
Ms Mosaku specifically cited the fatal shootings of American citizens Renée Good and Alex Pretti by Ice agents in Minnesota as the reason she cannot bring herself to celebrate the honour.
“I’ve not been able to celebrate because of what’s going on right now, with the killings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti by Ice agents in Minnesota and the kidnapping of a five-year-old boy,” Ms Mosaku said to the Sunday Times.
Wunmi Mosaku is up for her first Oscar
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The actress went on to describe the emotional difficulty of processing the contrasting experiences simultaneously.
“It’s difficult to hold both the nomination and the news because one feels beautiful and one is so dark and heavy; truly dystopian — how can I possibly go out and buy some drinks and enjoy the moment?” she explained.
ICU nurse Mr Pretti died in late January, less than three weeks after Ms Good’s fatal shooting on January 7, which occurred approximately a mile away.
Ms Mosaku also reflected on the differing reactions between herself and her American-born husband when confronted with the news.
Wunmi Mosaku with her Sinners co-stars
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“[My husband] is not as shocked as I am at the news,” she continued.
“There’s a very strange American psyche where terrible things happen, and people still can go to work the next day, whereas I’m floored for a week and think, ‘How are people going to crowded places when this has just happened?’ I want a cocoon,” she told the newspaper.
The comments made by Ms Mosaku have been met with a mixed response from film fans online, with several X users accusing the Nigerian-British actress of “virtue-signalling” with her remarks.
Reacting to an article by Variety detailing Ms Mosaku’s comments, one X user hit back: “What a ridiculous, transparent PR move. Nearly as desperate as Chalamet’s unsubtle grasping at the trophy. Ick.”
Wunmi Mosaku says she’s been ‘unable to celebrate’ her Oscars nod
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“A whole new level of virtue signaling stupidity. Absolutely incredible,” a second added, while a third concurred: “She’s British which makes this even more preposterous.”
“If it affects her this badly, the Academy has a duty of care and should withdraw her nomination. This poor woman just wants to enjoy her life,” a fourth suggested.
“I’m so happy she’s found some way to still be a victim while being nominated for an Oscar,” a fifth weighed in, while a sixth echoed: “She doesn’t have to accept her nomination. Always an option. Might make the most sense, if it’s upsetting her this much.” (sic)
However, there were some sympathetic responses to her stance. “Her words speak to how complicated it can be to hold joy and grief at the same time,” one X user argued.
They went on: “The shootings in Minnesota have sparked intense emotions and debates across the US, and it makes perfect sense that someone would feel conflicted about celebrating.”
A second similarly defended the star: “Such a bittersweet moment, achievement and tragedy can feel heavy at the same time.”
Sinners leads this year’s Academy Awards field with a record-breaking 16 nominations, including recognition for Michael B Jordan in the Best Actor category and Ryan Coogler for both directing and screenplay.
Beyond the Oscars, Ms Mosaku is also shortlisted for Best Supporting Actress at this week’s Baftas, where she will compete alongside fellow British nominees Emily Watson and Carey Mulligan.
