Barry Jenkins Revisits Moonlight 10 Years Later

Barry Jenkins reflects on Moonlight's Oscar win and emotional impact after 10 years.

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Sep 28, 2026

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Barry Jenkins Revisits Moonlight 10 Years Later

Barry Jenkins reflects on Moonlight's Oscar win and emotional impact after 10 years.

In brief

Barry Jenkins reflects on Moonlight's Oscar win and emotional impact after 10 years. Jenkins credits Moonlight's creation to a deeply personal process that led to a significant Oscar moment. Originally reported by Vanity Fair.

Jenkins at Telluride

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Barry Jenkins returned to Telluride Film Festival to host Moonlight's anniversary screening.

“I had no idea it was going to move people the way it did.”

Moonlight's Premiere

Moonlight premiered at Telluride 10 years ago and became a critically acclaimed Oscar contender.

Oscar Envelopegate

Moonlight won best picture after a mix-up during the 2017 Oscars, with the wrong envelope being read.

Emotional Revisit

Emotional Revisit

Jenkins described watching Moonlight for the first time in years as a 'crying mess' during a Q&A.

“I was a mess. I was just like a crying mess.”

Oscar Trauma

Jenkins sought therapy after the Oscar envelope mix-up to process the emotional impact.

“I didn’t even realize it was traumatic until I had to go to a little bit of therapy.”

Career Progression

Jenkins has directed If Beale Street Could Talk, The Underground Railroad, and Disney's Mufasa: The Lion King.

New Projects

Jenkins is developing Be My Baby with Zendaya and a biopic about choreographer Alvin Ailey.

Personal Life

Jenkins is married to filmmaker Lulu Wang and has a 15-month-old son.

Moonlight's Legacy

Moonlight remains a pivotal moment in Oscar history and a significant artistic achievement.

Oscar Win Impact

The win was a 'delightful surprise' for Jenkins, who credits the film's emotional resonance.

Personal Growth

Jenkins reflects on the 10-year journey since Moonlight's release, emphasizing personal and artistic growth.

Oscar Vortex

Jenkins describes the award season as a 'vortex' that he navigated with pride despite the chaos.

“I’m really proud of that guy.”

4K Release

A24 will release a 4K remastered version of Moonlight in theaters on October 2.

The key point

Jenkins credits Moonlight's creation to a deeply personal process that led to a significant Oscar moment.

Read the original on Vanity Fair

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