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 film director, producer, and screenwriter. He has received numerous accolades, including ten NAACP Image Awards and four Black Reel Awards. Coogler has also earned nominations for two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and a Grammy Award, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. His work is notable for its cultural impact and storytelling.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

March 2004: Transfer to Sacramento State

In March 2004, Ryan Coogler transferred to Sacramento State after Saint Mary's canceled its football program.

2009: Locks screened at Tribeca Film Festival

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

2011: Fig wins HBO Short Film Competition

In 2011, Coogler's short film Fig won the HBO Short Film Competition at the American Black Film Festival, the DGA Student Film Award, and was nominated for Outstanding Independent Short Film at the Black Reel Awards.

January 2013: Coogler Working on Graphic Novel and Young Adult Novel

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

July 20, 2013: Fruitvale Station Theatrical Release

On July 20, 2013, Fruitvale Station was released in theaters after premiering at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.

Loading Video...

2013: Fruitvale Station's Critical Acclaim

In 2013, Fruitvale Station received widespread critical acclaim, appearing on several critics' top ten lists of the best films of the year.

Loading Video...

2013: Release of Fruitvale Station

In 2013, Ryan Coogler made his feature-length debut with the independent film Fruitvale Station.

Loading Video...

2013: Inclusion on Time's 30 Under 30 List

In 2013, Ryan Coogler was included on Time's list of the 30 people under 30 who are changing the world.

2015: Release of Creed

In 2015, Coogler directed and wrote Creed, a spin-off of the Rocky series.

Loading Video...

2018: Black Panther Box Office Success

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

Loading Video...

2018: Release and Success of Black Panther

In 2018, Black Panther was released, grossing $1.3 billion worldwide and breaking numerous box office records. It received critical acclaim and was noted for its representation of African-Americans.

Loading Video...

2018: Named Time's Person of the Year Runner-up

In 2018, Coogler was named the runner-up of Time's Person of the Year and was included in the Time 100 list.

2018: Coogler Directed Black Panther

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

Loading Video...

February 2021: Proximity Media's Deal with Disney

In February 2021, 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.