Sanders made his film debut in The Retrieval, directed by Chris Eska. In 2015, Sanders appeared in the drama film Moonlight, directed by Barry Jenkins. Moonlight received massive critical acclaim as well dozens of accolades, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Picture – Drama. The film also won three Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Mahershala Ali. Sanders' role in the film was praised by critics, calling his performance "powerful".