Ryan Coogler's Sinners Shatters Oscar Nomination Record
In a historic moment for cinema, Ryan Coogler's horror movie Sinners has been nominated for a staggering 16 Academy Awards, setting a new record for the most nominations ever received by a single motion picture. This achievement surpasses the previous record held by Titanic, All About Eve, and La La Land, which each earned 14 nominations in a three-way tie.
Plot and Critical Acclaim
The film stars Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as twin brothers with a criminal past who confront a vampire menace in the Jim Crow South. Showered with critical acclaim, Sinners has emerged as another box office success for Coogler, following his work on Black Panther, and now secures his place in the Oscars pantheon.
Key Nominations and Competition
Sinners is competing in multiple major categories, showcasing its broad appeal and technical prowess. The nominations include:
- Best Picture: Pitting it against films like Bugonia, F1, and Hamnet.
- Best Director: Ryan Coogler faces competition from directors such as Chloe Zhao for Hamnet and Paul Thomas Anderson for One Battle After Another.
- Best Original Screenplay: Coogler's script is up against works like Marty Supreme and the Palme d'Or winner It Was Just an Accident.
- Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan is nominated, competing against formidable rivals including Timothee Chalamet for Marty Supreme and Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another.
Additionally, the film has earned nominations in supporting categories, with Delroy Lindo up for Best Supporting Actor and Wunmi Mosaku for Best Supporting Actress.
Technical and Creative Nominations
Beyond the acting and directing accolades, Sinners demonstrates excellence in various technical fields. It is nominated for:
- Cinematography
- Score
- Makeup and Hairstyling
- Editing
- Production Design
- Sound
- Visual Effects
- Costume Design
- Casting
The musical number I Lied to You, written by Ludwig Goransson and Raphael Saadiq and performed by Miles Caton, is also nominated for Best Original Song.
Historical Context and Milestones
This record-breaking nomination count highlights Sinners as a landmark in film history. Previously, Titanic held the record for most Oscar wins at 11, tied with Ben-Hur and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Meanwhile, the nominations have unveiled another milestone: Timothee Chalamet has become the first actor since Marlon Brando to earn three Oscar nominations by the age of 30, recognized for his roles in Call Me By Your Name, A Complete Unknown, and now Marty Supreme.
Full List of Key Nominations
The 2026 Oscars feature a competitive slate, with Sinners leading the pack. Other notable nominations include:
- Best Actress: Contenders like Emma Stone for Bugonia and Jessie Buckley for Hamnet.
- Best Supporting Actor: A category including Sean Penn and Benicio Del Toro from One Battle After Another.
- Best Supporting Actress: Featuring Elle Fanning and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas from Sentimental Value.
- Best Animated Feature: Films such as Elio and Zootopia 2.
- Best International Feature: Including The Secret Agent from Brazil and It Was Just an Accident from France.
This year's Oscars promise to be a thrilling event, with Sinners at the forefront of the nominations, celebrating cinematic achievement across genres and categories.
