Director Ryan Coogler chokes back tears at awards gala as he condemns ICE killing of Renee Nicole Good

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Ryan Coogler became visibly upset while highlighting the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis last week.

At Tuesday’s National Board of Review Awards gala, Ryan Coogler, while accepting the Best Original Screenplay award for ‘Sinners,’ shared that he was preoccupied with other thoughts.

He said that even though he was currently in New York, he felt strongly connected to Minnesota. This is because the situation there has become more strained since Wednesday, when Good was fatally shot during a protest about immigration.

Coogler, visibly emotional, shared with the audience that he was finding it difficult to focus on the present moment, as his thoughts were with Minnesota and someone named Renee. He struggled to hold back tears as he spoke about them.

The filmmaker noted a strange connection to his previous visit to the National Board of Review Awards over ten years earlier. He had received an award in 2014 for Fruitvale Station, a movie based on the real story of Oscar Grant, who was killed by a transit police officer.

Coogler admitted he was young and idealistic when he believed the film could prevent future on-camera killings by law enforcement, and he expressed disappointment at how little has changed since then.

The woman, a 37-year-old award-winning poet and mother of three, was identified as Good by her mother, Donna Ganger, in an interview with the Minneapolis Star-Tribune after the shooting.

Ganger believes her daughter was likely frightened, and dismissed claims that she participated in any violence. ‘That’s just ridiculous,’ she said. ‘Renee was a genuinely kind person.’

Oh my god, talking about her just makes me tear up. Her mom said she was extremely compassionate, and it’s SO true. She genuinely cared about everyone, always helping people her whole life. She was just… the most loving, forgiving, and affectionate person you could ever meet. Seriously, she was an amazing human being, just the absolute best.

Oh my gosh, Florence! I’ve been following her career for years, and it’s just so fascinating to learn little things about her life! Apparently, she actually grew up in Colorado Springs, which is amazing! And right now, she’s living in Minneapolis with someone special – they’re keeping their name private, which is totally fine, I respect her privacy, but still! Minneapolis! It’s just… everything about her is perfect.

She was previously married to comedian Timothy Macklin, who died in 2023. 

The couple shared a six-year-old son, who is now orphaned.

Macklin’s father told the newspaper that he would do whatever it takes to reach his grandchild, saying, ‘I’ll drive or fly – anything to get there.’

Police say Good was shot in the face three times after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents told her to get out of her car during a demonstration.

Officials claim she ignored commands, reversed her SUV and attempted to drive away.

Homeland Security officials stated that Good used her car as a weapon. Tricia McLaughlin, an Assistant Secretary with the department, called the incident an act of domestic terrorism and said the agent shot in self-defense, believing his life was in danger.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem agreed, stating the officer reacted ‘quickly and defensively’ to safeguard himself and those around him.

However, people who saw what happened disagree with the government’s version of events. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey strongly criticized the Department of Homeland Security’s explanation, dismissing it as inaccurate and claiming federal officials were trying to portray the incident as justified self-defense.

Frey announced at a press conference that the group was unwelcome, stating their claim of seeking safety was contradicted by their actions.

Video circulating online appears to show Good’s vehicle turning away from agents as shots rang out.

The SUV she was driving eventually collided with several parked cars and a light pole. A bullet hole was clearly visible in the windshield on the driver’s side.

Okay, so Governor Walz is trying to stay calm, which is good, I guess, but honestly, I’m furious about what the DHS said! He called it ‘propaganda,’ and you know what? He’s SO right! Thankfully, he promised a real investigation – a fast, fair one. It’s about time someone actually looked into all of this properly. I’m just… I need answers, and I’m trusting him to get to the truth. He gets it, you can tell!

The FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are now investigating the shooting.

The tragedy has sparked outrage far beyond Minnesota, with Hollywood figures also weighing in.

During Sunday’s Golden Globe Awards, Mark Ruffalo and other celebrities wore pins saying ‘Be Good’ and ‘ICE Out’ to remember Good and others who have died during encounters with ICE agents.

The protest, backed by groups like the ACLU and National Domestic Workers Alliance, aimed to draw attention to what organizers say is an increasing trend of harsh tactics used by federal law enforcement.

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2026-01-14 22:21