Ryan Coogler

Ryan Coogler is a filmmaker known for his work on history-making films such as "Fruitvale Station," "Creed," "Black Panther," and its sequel, "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever." He has received numerous awards for his work, including ten NAACP Image Awards, four Black Reel Awards, the U.S. Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at Sundance in 2013 for "Fruitvale Station," and Best Director at the 2018 Saturn Awards for "Black Panther." "Black Panther" not only shattered box office records, becoming the highest-grossing film of all time by an African American director, but also received seven Academy Award nominations and won three.

Coogler's storytelling often highlights overlooked cultures and characters, bringing diversity to the film industry. His influence reaches beyond directing as he founded Proximity Media with his wife, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian. Their first production, "Judas and the Black Messiah," received six Academy Award nominations. He is also an executive producer for the upcoming miniseries "Ironheart," set to release in 2025, and developed and is an executive producer for the miniseries "Eyes of Wakanda." In 2025, he released "Sinners," starring Michael B. Jordan, which was a box-office hit.

In addition to his work in film, Coogler has been recognized for his impact on the world. He was included on Time's list of the 30 people under 30 who are changing the world in 2013 and was named the runner-up for Time's Person of the Year in 2018. He was also included in the Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world.