Ryan Coogler's latest cinematic endeavor, “Sinners,” has achieved an extraordinary milestone at the Academy Awards, securing a record-breaking 16 nominations. This unprecedented number positions the film as the most nominated in Oscar history, outshining former contenders such as “All About Eve,” “Titanic,” and “La La Land,” each of which received 14 nods. Beyond its historical impact, “Sinners” has also garnered widespread critical praise and impressive financial success, accumulating approximately $368 million globally since its theatrical debut in April 2025.
“Sinners” Dominates Oscar Nominations and Box Office, Setting New Standards
In a significant announcement made on Thursday, marking the revelation of the 98th Academy Awards nominations, Ryan Coogler's chilling vampire saga, “Sinners,” not only elevated the often-overlooked horror genre but also carved out a unique place in film history. The movie, featuring Michael B. Jordan in a lead role, amassed an astonishing 16 nominations, setting a new benchmark for a single film in the Academy Awards’ storied past. This achievement surpasses the previous record jointly held by cinematic giants like “La La Land” (2016), “Titanic” (1997), and the classic “All About Eve” (1950), each of which had earned 14 nominations.
“Sinners” distinguished itself across a broad spectrum of competitive categories, notably earning a nomination in the Academy's newly introduced Best Casting category. Its comprehensive recognition includes a spot among the 10 Best Picture nominees, alongside commendations for Makeup and Hairstyling, Original Score, Original Song, Sound, Visual Effects, Original Screenplay, Production Design, Costume Design, and Film Editing.
Individual talents associated with the film also received well-deserved acclaim. Director Coogler and lead actor Michael B. Jordan were acknowledged for their exceptional contributions. Veteran actor Delroy Lindo, long admired in Hollywood, secured his inaugural Oscar nomination in the Supporting Actor category for his compelling performance. Furthermore, Wunmi Mosaku received her first nomination for Supporting Actress, celebrated for her powerful portrayal that resonated strongly with critics.
Released in April 2025, “Sinners” quickly became a box office phenomenon, especially for an original story not based on existing intellectual property or part of a franchise. The film's global earnings of approximately $368 million solidified its position as one of the year's highest-grossing movies, complemented by glowing reviews from both critics and audiences. This awards powerhouse status has been consistently demonstrated through multiple nominations at prestigious events such as the Golden Globes, SAG Actor Awards, and the Critics Choice Awards.
Looking ahead, the 2026 Oscars ceremony, scheduled to air on March 15 and hosted by the returning comedian Conan O'Brien, promises to be a memorable event. Other notable nominees for the 2026 Oscars include Timothée Chalamet for “Marty Supreme,” Emma Stone for “Bugonia,” and Paul Thomas Anderson's “One Battle After Another,” which secured the second-highest number of nominations with 13 in total.
“Sinners”'s remarkable achievement at the Oscars not only celebrates its artistic and technical merits but also signals a potential shift in how the Academy recognizes and honors the horror genre. Its success story highlights the power of compelling storytelling, exceptional performances, and visionary direction to resonate with both critics and a global audience, proving that a film's impact can transcend traditional genre boundaries and set new industry precedents.
