Sinners Breaks Oscar Records

Ryan Coogler’s supernatural thriller, Sinners, has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first film to secure 16 Academy Award nominations. This critically and commercially successful movie features Michael B. Jordan as twin brothers in 1930s Mississippi, who navigate racism and confront vampires while establishing a blues club. So far, it has grossed $368 million globally.

The film’s nominations include prestigious categories like Best Picture, Best Director, and acting nods for both leading actor and supporting roles, including Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku. Notably, Ruth E. Carter’s nomination for Costume Design elevates her to the most-nominated Black woman in Oscar history, while Autumn Durald Arkapaw’s nomination for Cinematography marks a rare nod for a female cinematographer.

In an interview with Deadline, Coogler expressed surprise when family members gathered at his doorstep early in the morning to anticipate the announcement. He recounted, “My dad was keeping count next to me… When he said [it was 16], I thought he was mistaken.” Since the news became official, Coogler’s father has playfully pointed out his accuracy.

Sinners broke the previous record for nominations held by All About Eve, Titanic, and La La Land, which all had 14 nominations. However, unlike those films, which garnered significant wins, expectations suggest that Coogler’s film might not achieve as many victories on March 15.

This award season has seen the countercultural comedy One Battle After Another following closely behind with 13 nominations. Writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson, with a history of 11 nominations without a win, is favored to win both Best Picture and Best Director, as well as Best Supporting Actress for Teyana Taylor. The film includes additional nominees such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn, though notable snubs occurred, including Paul Mescal in Best Supporting Actor.

Chloé Zhao’s film Hamnet received eight nominations, especially highlighting Jessie Buckley as a frontrunner for Best Actress, despite her co-star Paul Mescal not receiving a nomination. Zhao, a previous Best Director winner for Nomadland, remains the only female director nominated this year.

With growing diversity among Oscar voters, over a quarter are now from outside the U.S., shifting the demographics significantly compared to a decade ago. This year, Warner Bros. stands out with 30 nominations, overshadowing competitors like Netflix and Neon, both with 18 nods. The Oscar ceremony is set for March 15, again hosted by Conan O’Brien, while the BAFTAs will be held shortly before.