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, recognized for his significant contributions to cinema. He has received numerous accolades, including ten NAACP Image Awards and four Black Reel Awards. Coogler's work has also earned him nominations for prestigious awards such as the Academy Awards, Golden Globe Award, and Grammy Award, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1989: Executive Producer of The Day the Series Stopped

In 1989, Ryan Coogler served as an executive producer on the ESPN 30 for 30 film 'The Day the Series Stopped', about Game Three of the 1989 World Series.

2009: Locks Screened at Tribeca Film Festival and Won an Award

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.

2011: Fig and Gap Won Awards

In 2011, Ryan Coogler's short film 'Fig', written by Alex George Pickering, 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. Also in 2011, Coogler's short film 'Gap', written by Carol S. Lashof, won the Jack Nicholson Award for Achievement in Directing.

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

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

July 20, 2013: Fruitvale Station Theatrical Release

On July 20, 2013, Ryan Coogler's first feature film, 'Fruitvale Station', was released in theaters.

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2013: Fruitvale Station Wins Awards

In 2013, Ryan Coogler's feature-length debut, 'Fruitvale Station', won the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award for U.S. dramatic film at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. It also won Best First Film at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.

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2015: Coogler Co-Wrote and Directed Creed

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

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2015: Release of Creed

In 2015, Ryan Coogler released 'Creed', a spin-off of the Rocky films, which he directed and co-wrote with Aaron Covington. The film received critical acclaim and grossed over $173 million worldwide. Sylvester Stallone won multiple awards for his role.

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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.

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2018: Black Panther Box Office Success and Critical Acclaim

In 2018, upon its release, 'Black Panther', directed by Ryan Coogler, grossed $1.3 billion worldwide and broke numerous box office records. The film also received critical acclaim for its story, characters, and representation of African-Americans.

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February 2021: Proximity Media Signed 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 'Black Panther' series for Disney+.

2021: Co-Producer of Judas and the Black Messiah

In 2021, Ryan Coogler served as a co-producer alongside Charles D. King and Shaka King on the Fred Hampton biopic 'Judas and the Black Messiah', directed by Shaka King.

2021: Coogler Founded Proximity Media

In 2021, Ryan Coogler, his wife, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian founded multimedia production company Proximity Media; the first film it produced was 'Judas and the Black Messiah' (2021).

November 11, 2022: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Released

On November 11, 2022, Ryan Coogler's 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' was released in the United States. It was a critical and commercial success, and nominated for five Academy Awards, winning one.

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2022: Coogler Co-Wrote and Directed Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

In 2022, Ryan Coogler co-wrote and directed 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever', the sequel to 'Black Panther'.

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January 2024: Coogler to Collaborate with Jordan on Sinners

In January 2024, it was announced that Ryan Coogler would collaborate with Michael B. Jordan for a fifth time on 'Sinners', a supernatural horror film.

November 2024: Coogler Writing Black Panther 3

In November 2024, Denzel Washington stated that Ryan Coogler is currently writing the script for 'Black Panther 3' and he has been cast in an undisclosed role.