Career Timeline of Ryan Coogler: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Ryan Coogler built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Ryan Coogler is a highly acclaimed American filmmaker known for his significant contributions to cinema. Recognized with ten NAACP Image Awards and four Black Reel Awards, he has garnered nominations for prestigious accolades including two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and a Grammy Award. His work has had a notable impact on the film industry and pop culture.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2009: Locks screened at Tribeca Film Festival

In 2009, Ryan Coogler's short film, 'Locks', screened at the Tribeca Film Festival and won the Dana and Albert Broccoli Award for Filmmaking Excellence.

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2011: Awards for Fig and Gap

In 2011, Coogler's short film 'Fig' won the HBO Short Film Competition, the DGA Student Film Award and was nominated for an Outstanding Independent Short Film at the Black Reel Awards. Also that year, his short film 'Gap' won the Jack Nicholson Award for Achievement in Directing.

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2011: Directed Short Film Fig

In 2011, Ryan Coogler directed the short film 'Fig'.

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January 2013: Working on Graphic Novel and Young Adult Novel

In January 2013, Ryan Coogler announced he was working on a graphic novel and a young adult novel about an undisclosed subject matter.

July 20, 2013: Theatrical Release of Fruitvale Station

On July 20, 2013, 'Fruitvale Station', written and directed by Ryan Coogler, was released in theaters after premiering at the Sundance Film Festival earlier that year.

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2013: Feature Film Debut with Fruitvale Station

In 2013, Ryan Coogler made his feature-length debut as director with 'Fruitvale Station'.

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2015: Directed Creed

In 2015, Ryan Coogler directed 'Creed', a spin-off of the Rocky series.

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2018: Black Panther Broke Box Office Records

In 2018, Black Panther (2018) broke numerous box office records and became the highest-grossing film of all time by an African American director.

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2018: Release of Black Panther

In 2018, Ryan Coogler co-wrote and directed the Marvel film 'Black Panther', becoming the first African-American Marvel Studios director.

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2018: Black Panther's Success

Upon its release in 2018, 'Black Panther', directed by Ryan Coogler, grossed $1.3 billion worldwide and broke numerous box office records, becoming the highest-grossing film directed by an African-American director. It also received critical acclaim.

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2019: Directed Short Film Locks

In 2019, Ryan Coogler directed the short film 'Locks'.

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February 2021: Proximity Media Signs Deal with Disney

In February 2021, Ryan Coogler's production company, Proximity Media, signed an exclusive five-year deal with Disney to produce content, including a Disney+ television series based in Wakanda.

2021: Produced Judas and the Black Messiah

In 2021, Ryan Coogler produced the historical drama 'Judas and the Black Messiah'.

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2021: Co-Produced Judas and the Black Messiah and Space Jam: A New Legacy

In 2021, Ryan Coogler served as a co-producer on 'Judas and the Black Messiah' and 'Space Jam: A New Legacy'.

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2021: Founded Proximity Media

In 2021, Ryan Coogler, along with his wife Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian, founded the multimedia production company Proximity Media.

November 11, 2022: Release of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

On November 11, 2022, 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever', directed and co-written by Ryan Coogler, was released in the United States and became a critical and commercial success.

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