Ryan Coogler’s horror film Sinners has shattered Academy Awards history. The film earned 16 Oscar nominations, breaking a record that stood for decades. This remarkable achievement surpasses the previous benchmark of 14 nominations held by All About Eve, Titanic, and La La Land.
The 2026 Oscar nominations were revealed Thursday morning from the Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman announced the nominees beginning at 5:30 a.m. PT. The ceremony will take place on March 15, with Conan O’Brien hosting from the Dolby Theatre.
Record-Breaking Performance Dominates Major Categories
Sinners secured nominations across all major categories. Ryan Coogler received a Best Director nod, while Michael B. Jordan earned recognition for Best Actor. The film also captured nominations for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.
Supporting performances garnered attention as well. Delroy Lindo received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his work in the film. Wunmi Mosaku earned a Best Supporting Actress nod, rounding out the acting categories. The film’s technical achievements extended to the newly established Best Casting category.
Strong Box Office Success Contrasts Awards Season Snubs
The film opened to impressive numbers at the domestic box office. Sinners earned roughly $48 million during its opening weekend. Global earnings exceeded $60 million, demonstrating strong audience support worldwide.
Despite commercial success, major awards ceremonies largely overlooked the film. At the Golden Globe Awards, Sinners secured only two wins. The victories included Best Cinematic and Box Office Achievement plus Best Original Score for Ludwig Göransson. Michael B. Jordan’s dual performance as twins Smoke and Stack went unrecognized in the acting categories.
Technical Excellence Earns Widespread Recognition
Sinners dominated technical categories at the Academy Awards. The film received nominations for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. Best Costume Design recognition highlighted the production’s visual achievements.
Ludwig Göransson’s musical score earned a nomination for Best Original Score. The film also secured a nomination for Best Original Song with “I Lied To You.” These technical achievements demonstrate the film’s comprehensive artistic vision.
Michael B. Jordan Delivers Powerful Dual Performance
Jordan took on the challenging role of twin characters. He portrayed both Smoke and Stack in the genre-bending horror film. Critics praised his ability to differentiate the two distinct characters throughout the narrative.
The performance marked another collaboration between Jordan and director Coogler. Their partnership has produced several notable films over the years. This nomination represents Jordan’s first Academy Award recognition in a leading role.
Voting Timeline Sets Stage for Historic Awards Night
Final Oscar voting begins on February 26. Academy members will cast their ballots through March 5. The extended voting period allows members to view nominated films and performances.
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony airs live on ABC. Streaming options include Hulu for viewers across the country. Coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET and 4 p.m. PT from Hollywood’s iconic Dolby Theatre.
Critical Debate Surrounds Film’s Themes and Impact
Sinners sparked conversation throughout its theatrical run. The film’s themes drew mixed reactions from critics and audiences. These discussions fueled ongoing debate about the film’s cultural significance.
The Warner Bros. release challenged traditional horror conventions. Coogler blended genres to create a unique cinematic experience. This bold approach divided opinion but maintained relevance throughout awards season.
Supporting Cast Receives Well-Deserved Recognition
Wunmi Mosaku’s performance earned critical acclaim. Her supporting role showcased range and emotional depth. The nomination places her among the year’s most celebrated actresses.
Delroy Lindo brought gravitas to his supporting role. His experience and skill elevated every scene. Both actors contribute significantly to the film’s dramatic weight and impact.
Competing Films Face Uphill Battle Against Frontrunner
Hamnet secured nominations in multiple categories. The Chloé Zhao-directed film earned recognition for Best Adapted Screenplay. Costume Design and Casting nominations demonstrate its production quality.
One Battle After Another received several nominations. Paul Thomas Anderson’s film earned Best Adapted Screenplay recognition. Sean Penn and Benicio Del Toro both received supporting actor nominations. However, Sinners maintains a clear lead in total nominations.
Historical Context Highlights Achievement’s Significance
Breaking a decades-old record demonstrates exceptional quality. All About Eve set the original benchmark in 1951. Titanic matched it in 1998, followed by La La Land in 2017.
Sinners now stands alone atop this prestigious list. The 16 nominations represent recognition across artistic and technical disciplines. This comprehensive acknowledgment reflects the film’s impact on contemporary cinema.
Academy Members Face Difficult Decisions Ahead
Voters must evaluate performances across all categories. The film’s dominance creates interesting strategic considerations. Some categories feature multiple Sinners nominees competing against each other.
Historical precedent suggests nomination totals don’t guarantee victories. Films with numerous nominations sometimes leave ceremonies with fewer wins. Academy members often spread recognition across multiple deserving films.