Ryan Coogler

Ryan Coogler
Coogler in 2025
Born
Ryan Kyle Coogler

(1986-05-23) May 23, 1986 (age 40)
Oakland, California, U.S.
EducationSt. Mary's College of California
California State University, Sacramento (BA)
University of Southern California (MFA)
Occupations
  • Film director
  • screenwriter
  • producer
Years active2009–present
Spouse
Zinzi Evans
​
(m. 2016)​

Ryan Kyle Coogler (born May 23, 1986) is an American movie director, producer and screenwriter. He has been nominated for two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and a Grammy Award. He won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Sinners in 2026.

Career

He is known for co-writing and directing Creed (2015), and the Marvel movie Black Panther (2018), which became the highest-grossing movie of all time by an African American director. Coogler also co-wrote and directed its sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022).

In 2026, he was nominated for another Academy Award for his movie Sinners, winning the award for best original screenplay. For Sinners, Coogler won the BAFTA Award for Best Original Screenplay in 2026, becoming the first Black filmmaker to win the award.

Personal life

Coogler was born in Oakland, California. He studied at California State University, Sacramento and at the University of Southern California.

In 2016, Coogler married Zinzi Evans, with whom he has three children.

Movies

Year Title Director Writer
2013 Fruitvale Station Yes Yes
2015 Creed Yes Yes
2018 Black Panther Yes Yes
2022 Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Yes Yes
2025 Sinners Yes Yes

Executive producer

Producer

References

  1. ↑ "Ryan Kyle Coogler, Born 05/23/1986 in California". California Births Index. Archived from the original on October 30, 2020. Retrieved July 20, 2013.
  2. ↑ Barnes, Brooks (February 18, 2018). "With $218 Million Haul, 'Black Panther' Smashes Box Office Records". The New York Times. Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  3. ↑ Ntim, Zac; Kanter, Jake (22 February 2026). "BAFTA Film Awards: 'One Battle After Another' Takes Best Film — Full Winners List". Deadline. Retrieved 22 February 2026.
  4. ↑ Barmann, Jay (March 15, 2021). "Oakland Native Ryan Coogler Makes History With Oscar Nomination for 'Judas and the Black Messiah'". SFist - San Francisco News, Restaurants, Events, & Sports. Archived from the original on September 15, 2025. Retrieved August 19, 2025.
  5. ↑ Specter, Emma (2025-04-21). "I Want What They Have: Ryan and Zinzi Coogler". Vogue. Archived from the original on January 5, 2026. Retrieved 2026-01-12.
  6. ↑ "Ryan Coogler Can't Wait To Have Daughters With His Wife Zinzi For A Very Adorable Reason". October 24, 2020. Archived from the original on February 23, 2018. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
  7. ↑ Haring, Bruce (2023-04-14). "'Steph Curry: Underrated' Documentary Sets Theatrical And Apple TV+ Date". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 2023-04-16.

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