From blues playlist to Oscar buzz: Miles Caton reflects on his transformative role in ‘Pecadores’

Miles Caton, the rising star behind the critically acclaimed film “Pecadores,” embarked on a profound artistic journey for his debut cinematic role, one that began unexpectedly with a curated blues playlist. Director Ryan Coogler initiated this immersion, sending Caton a compilation featuring foundational artists like Charley Patton, Buddy Guy, and B.B. King, setting the tone for what would become a deeply resonant performance in the 2025 Academy Award contender. This initial dive into the rich history of blues music was instrumental in shaping Caton’s understanding of his character, preparing him for the complex emotional landscape of the film.

The young actor, now 21, was just 18 when discussions began for his involvement in the project, which explores themes of faith, family, and artistic passion set against the backdrop of the Mississippi Delta. Caton’s portrayal of Sammie Moore, known as Pastorzinho, a preacher’s son who gravitates towards the blues despite his father’s influence, has garnered widespread praise. His character’s narrative intertwines with those of his cousins, Smoke and Stack, both masterfully played by Michael B. Jordan, creating a compelling ensemble dynamic that has captivated audiences globally.

The Brooklyn native exudes a captivating presence, characterized by a deep, resonant voice, an effortless smile, and a focused ambition ignited by his breakout role in one of the most nominated films in recent Oscar history. The overwhelming reception to “Pecadores” surpassed even his own expectations, as he openly shared, expressing genuine surprise at the immense impact the film has achieved since its release.

Director’s Vision and Musical Roots

The pivotal blues playlist from Coogler was more than mere suggestion; it was a foundational element, guiding Caton’s preparation for the film’s deeply musical narrative. This initial inspiration propelled Caton into a comprehensive study of the genre, an essential step for embodying a character so intrinsically linked to the blues tradition.

Caton’s commitment extended to practical mastery, as he dedicated himself to learning the resonator guitar. This specific instrument is not only central to the film’s authenticity but also deeply symbolic of the Mississippi Delta, the actual geographical cradle of the blues and the fictionalized setting of Clarksdale, Mississippi, where “Pecadores” unfolds.

Crafting a Central Character and Acclaim

The film delves into the life of Sammie Moore, charting his resistance to the strictures of his upbringing and his embrace of a life devoted to the raw, expressive power of the blues. Caton’s nuanced performance captures this internal conflict and burgeoning artistic spirit, making Sammie a memorable and relatable figure.

“Pecadores” has not only earned 16 nominations for the upcoming 2025 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Original Score, but has also secured a formidable array of other prestigious accolades. These include two Golden Globes, three BAFTAs—with Michael B. Jordan notably winning Best Actor in the 2026 ceremony for his dual roles—13 NAACP Image Awards, and two Actor Awards, underscoring its broad critical and industry recognition. The film’s unprecedented success highlights its profound resonance with both critics and diverse audiences worldwide.

The Heart of the Soundtrack: “I Lied To You”

Music stands at the very core of “Pecadores,” with a soundtrack meticulously produced by Ludwig Göransson, a multi-Grammy and Oscar-winning musician frequently collaborating with Coogler. Caton’s direct involvement with Göransson was instrumental in bringing the film’s musical soul to life, particularly the creation of its centerpiece track.

During their collaborative sessions, Göransson taught Caton “I Lied To You” on the guitar, even before lyrics or a full track had been finalized. This song ultimately became the film’s emotional anchor, famously showcased in an iconic, dreamlike sequence where Sammie’s music is depicted as possessing the power to transcend life and death, invoking spirits from across time.

Bringing a Vision to Life on Screen

Caton vividly recalled being taken to the studio by Göransson just weeks before this pivotal scene was filmed. Upon hearing the complete version of “I Lied To You,” he found it incredible, feeling it perfectly encapsulated everything his character, Sammie, was striving to communicate throughout the film.

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Despite reviewing an animated pre-visualization video that meticulously planned the sequence, Caton admitted he couldn’t fully envision its final grandeur. He initially anticipated the scene would feature “maybe like ghosts flying around or something,” a far cry from its breathtaking cinematic execution. Witnessing the sequence transform from script to screen was, in his own words, “mind-blowing, man.”

Collaborative Harmony: “Last Time (I Seen the Sun)”

Another deeply moving musical interlude graces the film during its mid-credits sequence. This particular track, “Last Time (I Seen the Sun),” was co-written and performed by Caton alongside Alice Smith, a Grammy-nominated artist renowned for her soulful albums and contributions to projects like “The Harder They Fall” and HBO’s “Lovecraft Country.”

Smith recounted that she and Caton crafted the song in just a few hours after she absorbed key scenes from the film to grasp its essence. Upon experiencing the finished film, Smith was struck by the song’s impeccable placement, noting how it provided a grounding contrast to the preceding tension-filled moments, effectively “bringing you completely back to reality.” The enduring image accompanying the song features the twins, both portrayed by Michael B. Jordan, observing a fiery sunset across an expansive field, an image Smith found deeply personal, reminding her of a specific morning view from her grandmother’s porch during her own childhood.

Furthermore, during certain filming sessions, Coogler utilized Smith’s rendition of Nina Simone’s “I Put A Spell On You” to cultivate a specific atmosphere on set, particularly for the film’s more tender, romantic scenes. Smith shared that her contribution was consistently leveraged for its “particularly emotional and poignant” qualities, enhancing the film’s atmospheric depth.

Miles Caton’s Ascent: Beyond “Pecadores”

With the success of his inaugural major film role and a burgeoning music career, fueled by his powerful voice and new original songs like “Somethin’,” Caton’s future appears remarkably promising. He is slated to be a central figure in a special performance of “I Lied To You” at the upcoming 2025 Academy Awards ceremony, alongside composer Raphael Saadiq and other musical collaborators from “Pecadores.”

Caton’s journey to the spotlight is not recent; he has graced significant stages for years, achieving viral fame as a child for his rendition of Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good.” His early career also included multiple appearances on NBC’s “Little Big Shots” with Steve Harvey in 2018 and a national tour alongside H.E.R., showcasing his long-standing talent and stage presence.

His impressive list of recent accolades for “Pecadores” includes the NAACP Award for Outstanding Breakthrough Performance, the Critics Choice Award for Best Young Artist, and a coveted spot on the TIME 100 list of most influential rising stars. These honors underscore his significant impact and burgeoning status within the entertainment industry.

Reflecting on the transformative experience of filming “Pecadores,” Caton emphasized how the process fostered personal growth, particularly in developing resilience and concentration amidst uncertainty and self-doubt. Despite feeling immense pressure, he consistently reminded himself to “just focus,” internalizing the mantra that he was there for a specific purpose, called to fulfill his role. While he recognized the film’s unique potential, its monumental success ultimately surprised him. He humorously acknowledged, “I think I’m shocked because I’m part of it, but when I look beyond my part in the film and just watch the movie, it makes sense. It’s a good movie.”