Miles Caton Only Has One Film Credit. It Helps That It’s the Most Nominated Film in Oscars History.

At 20, musician Miles Caton has just one acting credit to his name, but the role shot him to the epicenter of Hollywood. In last year’s Sinners, Caton played the sympathetic heart of director Ryan Coogler’s vampire epic—earning him a Critics’ Choice Award and a SAG nomination. In 2026, he’ll gear up to release new soul-inflected music and reveal his next foray into film.

Name one film that got you through an important moment in your life. Why did you connect with it, and why does it stay with you?

Scarface. I watched it for the first time when I was 18 and on tour. I connected with it then because I was in the mindset of wanting to make a name for myself and chasing my dreams. Watching it always reminds me of that time. Tony Montana may have taken a very different path in chasing his dreams, but his confidence in himself is what turned them into reality. We don’t have to talk about what happened after that.

When did you learn what it meant to be an actor?

On the set of Sinners. I’ve been a movie lover since I was a kid. I always wondered how they made these worlds feel so real. Working with actors like Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan showed me the importance of process and preparation. Being an actor takes extreme discipline and focus in order to bring truth and honesty to the character.

What’s one part of the craft that you still struggle with?

The schedule. Nobody told me there would be days when I would have to sleep ’til 6 p.m. and act until 5 a.m. The next film I do, I’ll be way more prepared for those long shoots and crazy hours.

What’s your on-set pet peeve?

To wait. Once I’m in character, I’m ready to go, but there are so many things that have to happen before it’s time to shoot.

When was the last time you surprised yourself on set?

While filming Sinners. Learning how to improvise while in character was new for me, but I realized that’s also when we have the most fun.

Whose career arc do you envy in the industry?

I have so much respect for people who have known what they wanted to do since they were kids. It’s really challenging to keep a dream alive from such a young age, and the ones that continue to strive for it and succeed inspire me the most.

This feature is part of CULTURED’s 2026 Young Hollywood portfolio. Read interviews with Odessa A’zion, Tyriq Withers, Iris Apatow, and more. Get your copy of the Entertainers issue here.