In a recent episode of The Run‑Through with Vogue podcast, actress Wunmi Mosaku shared a candid, inspiring conversation that traced her journey from unexpected beginnings to her current acclaim as one of Hollywood’s most talked‑about performers. The wide‑ranging interview — recorded in London — covered Mosaku’s rise through film and television, her award recognition, and her personal choices both on and off screen.
Best known recently for her role as Annie in Sinners, Mosaku — who has just earned her first Academy Award nomination and won a BAFTA — spoke with podcast hosts about everything from landing her breakout role to the emotional weight of navigating fame while experiencing life’s major milestones.
From Numbers to Stardom: A Surprising Start
Before becoming a celebrated actor, Mosaku described herself as “a bit of a math genius” — and it was only when her team shared that director Ryan Coogler wanted to meet her for his next film that everything shifted. That meeting led to her audition for Sinners, a role that has propelled her to both critical and awards‑season recognition.
Her reaction to the news was both humble and joyful. “My team said, ‘Ryan Coogler wants to meet you for his next film,’” she recalled in the podcast. “And I was like, ‘Ryan Coogler knows who I am?’”
It’s a defining moment in Mosaku’s career, marking the transition from talented performer to one whose work is commanding serious industry attention.
A Deep Dive Into Sinners and Annie
One of the most compelling parts of the discussion focused on Mosaku’s experience portraying Annie, a character whose depth and complexity resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. Mosaku described stepping into the role as both demanding and transformative — work that required vulnerability and a deep emotional connection to Annie’s story.
The emotional lessons she learned while immersing herself in that character, she explained, extend beyond craft. They reflect personal truths about connection, loss, and resilience — themes that have clearly shaped her performance and helped define why Sinners has become such a powerful cultural touchstone.
Balancing Fame and Personal Life
In an especially heartfelt part of the interview, Mosaku spoke about her decision to publicly announce her second pregnancy during the recent awards season. Rather than keeping it private, she chose to share the news at the Golden Globe Awards — a decision that was both bold and deeply personal.
“For me, I want to be present,” she explained. “If I’m divorcing my head and my body, I’m not really welcoming the baby into this too.” Her words revealed a thoughtful approach to public life — one that honors both her art and her lived experience.
This personal announcement was intertwined with her broader conversation about identity and presence in the spotlight — a reflection that added nuance to the often glamorous narrative surrounding awards season.
Designing for Mothers: The Birth of Iyadé
Another fascinating topic in the conversation was Mosaku’s decision to launch her own maternity fashion line, Iyadé, which in Yoruba means “mother has arrived.” She shared that the idea stemmed from a clear gap in the maternity fashion market — one that needed thoughtful, stylish solutions for expectant mothers.
According to Mosaku, Iyadé is meant to celebrate motherhood in all its dimensions rather than cover or conceal it. Her vision for the line reflects a modern and personal approach to design — one rooted in celebration as much as functionality.
The name itself tells a story of transition and arrival — honoring the moment when motherhood becomes part of one’s identity, and asserting that women should feel beautiful and affirmed through that journey.
Looking Ahead: Oscars, Style, and More
As the Oscars draw nearer, Mosaku didn’t shy away from teasing what she might wear on the red carpet. The light‑hearted moment offered a contrast to the more introspective parts of the episode, revealing her playful side and excitement for the recognition her work has received.
Her Academy Award nomination — her first ever — stands as a remarkable milestone and recognition of both artistic skill and emotional depth on screen. It’s a testament to how far her career has evolved since her earliest days on stage and screen.
Why This Conversation Matters
What made this podcast appearance especially engaging is how Mosaku balanced career reflection and personal honesty. She didn’t just talk about success and awards — she spoke about identity, intention, and presence in a world that often shouts for spectacle over substance.
From her unexpected journey into acting to her thoughtful announcement about pregnancy, Mosaku’s perspective resonates with listeners as both deeply personal and widely relatable — a reminder that the most compelling stories often come from how we choose to show up in our own lives.
How to Listen
If you want to hear the full conversation, The Run‑Through with Vogue is available on major podcast platforms, blending culture, fashion, and personal storytelling with deep dives into the lives of artists and creators shaping the conversation right now.
