Ryan Coogler’s vampire horror epic Sinners has made history at the Academy Awards, earning a record-breaking 16 nominations. The film surpassed the previous high of 14 nominations held by All About Eve (1950), Titanic (1997), and La La Land (2016), cementing its place as one of the most celebrated films in Oscar history.
Major Category Recognition
Sinners secured nominations in the most prestigious categories, including:
- Best Picture
- Best Director for Ryan Coogler
- Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan
- Best Supporting Actress for Wunmi Mosaku
- Best Supporting Actor for Delroy Lindo
This recognition highlights the film’s wide-ranging impact across performance and direction.
Technical and Creative Excellence
Beyond the acting and directing nods, Sinners earned nominations in Original Screenplay, Cinematography, Production Design, Original Score (by Ludwig Göransson), Original Song (I Lied To You), Costume Design (by Ruth E. Carter), Film Editing, Makeup & Hairstyling, Sound, Visual Effects, and Casting. The breadth of nominations underscores the film’s artistic and technical achievements.
Historic Achievement for Coogler
Coogler became only the second Black filmmaker to receive triple nominations in the same year—Best Director, Best Picture (as producer), and Original Screenplay. The milestone was previously achieved by Jordan Peele in 2018 for Get Out. Coogler’s accomplishment marks a significant moment in Hollywood history, reflecting both his creative vision and the Academy’s recognition of diverse voices.
Leading the Pack
Sinners leads the 98th Academy Awards ahead of Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another with 13 nominations. Other strong contenders include Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, and Sentimental Value, each with nine nominations.
A Cultural Phenomenon
Released last spring, Sinners blended vampire horror with 1930s blues music, set against the Mississippi Delta. Its unique mix of genre storytelling and cultural resonance struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. The film’s success at the Oscars further solidifies its reputation as a groundbreaking work.
The Road to the Oscars
The 98th Academy Awards will air on March 15 on ABC, with Conan O’Brien hosting. With Sinners leading the nominations, anticipation is high to see how many awards the film will ultimately take home.
