Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners' Makes History

The record-breaking 16 Oscar nominations for "Sinners" surpass the previous record of 14 jointly held by "All About Eve" (1950), "Titanic" (1997), and "La La Land" (2016). The film's nominations include Best Picture, Best Director for Ryan Coogler, Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan, and Best Supporting Actor and Actress nods for Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku respectively. Set in the Mississippi Delta during the Jim Crow era, the supernatural thriller follows twin brothers, played by Michael B. Jordan in a dual role, who encounter a greater evil upon returning to their hometown. The film uses the vampire genre to explore themes of family, community, cultural appropriation, and the legacy of blues music. "Sinners" marks the fifth collaboration between director Ryan Coogler and actor Michael B. Jordan. Their partnership began with Coogler's 2013 feature debut, "Fruitvale Station," and includes the successful "Creed" and "Black Panther" films. Coogler has stated that of their collaborations, "Sinners" is the most personal and reflective of him. The film has been a commercial success, grossing over $370 million worldwide on a budget of approximately $90-$100 million. Its critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive, earning a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Beyond the Oscars, "Sinners" has already secured several awards, including two Golden Globes for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement and Best Original Score. It also received 17 nominations at the Critics' Choice Awards, winning four, and has been recognized by the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute as one of the top ten films of 2025. The film's technical achievements have also been widely recognized, receiving Oscar nominations in every technical category. Notably, Ruth E. Carter's nomination for Best Costume Design makes her the most-nominated Black woman in Oscar history.