Happy Birthday: Celebrating Ryan Coogler

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Oaklands own, Ryan Coogler gained significant recognition for his work as the writer and director of the critically acclaimed film “Fruitvale Station” (2013). The movie, which was based on a true story, depicted the final hours of Oscar Grant, an unarmed African-American man who was killed by a police officer in 2009. This was the beginning of cell phones documenting the ongoing police brutality conflict that black Americans still suffer from today.

Today is Ryan Cooglers 37th birthday and we would like to celebrate him for all the work he’s done in the black film industry and for the culture.

Coogler’s career reached new heights with his involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He directed the highly successful and groundbreaking superhero film “Black Panther” (2018). The film received widespread acclaim for its cultural significance, compelling storytelling, and predominantly black cast. “Black Panther” became a global phenomenon, grossing over $1.3 billion at the box office and earning Coogler numerous praises.

In addition, Coogler has directed and co-written the sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” (2022). He has also worked on other projects, including “Creed” (2015), “Creed II” (2018), and “Creed III”. The films served as a continuation of the “Rocky” franchise, focusing on the story of Adonis Creed, the son of Apollo Creed.

Ryan Coogler is known for his powerful storytelling, and for bringing important social issues to the forefront through his films. He has become one of the most influential and respected directors in the industry, recognized for his artistic vision, and commitment to representation and diversity in cinema. Here is a list of films Ryan Coogler directed. Happy Birthday, Ryan!

1. Fruitvale Station

SANTA MONICA, CA – MARCH 01: (L-R) Michael B. Jordan, Octavia Spencer and Director Ryan Coogler pose with the Best First Feature Award for ‘Fruitvale Station’ in the press room during the 2014 Film Independent Spirit Awards at Santa Monica Beach on March 1, 2014 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Jonathan Leibson/WireImage) 

2. Creed

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 12: Director Ryan Coogler attends the European Premiere of “Creed” on January 12, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) 

3. Creed II

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 12: (L-R) Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson and Ryan Coogler attend the European Premiere of “Creed” on January 12, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) 

4. Creed III

Ryan Coogler at the 95th Annual Academy Awards held at Ovation Hollywood on March 12, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Flo Ngala/Variety via Getty Images) 

5. Black Panther

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 30: (L-R) Winston Duke, Carrie Bernans, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Chadwick Boseman, Danai Gurira, Sterling K. Brown, Letitia Wright, and Ryan Coogler — winner of Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture (Film)

6. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – NOVEMBER 04: Ryan Coogler accepts the Hollywood Film Award for ‘Black Panther’ onstage during the 22nd Annual Hollywood Film Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 4, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for HFA)