“Sinners Makes History with Record 16 Oscar Nominations at 2026 Awards”
Ryan Coogler’s film “Sinners” has etched its name in Oscar history by receiving a record 16 nominations at the 2026 Academy Awards. This supernatural thriller stars Michael B. Jordan as twin brothers who navigate life in 1930s Mississippi. They are in the midst of establishing a blues club while confronting societal issues, including racism and vampires.
Record-Breaking Nominations
“Sinners” surpassed the previous record of 14 nominations, which was held by “All About Eve,” “Titanic,” and “La La Land.” This achievement highlights the film’s significant impact on the awards landscape.
- Best Picture
- Best Director (Ryan Coogler)
- Best Leading Actor (Michael B. Jordan)
- Best Supporting Actor (Delroy Lindo)
- Best Supporting Actress (Wunmi Mosaku)
- Inaugural Casting Prize
- Best Costume Design (Ruth E. Carter)
- Best Cinematography (Autumn Durald Arkapaw)
Noteworthy Achievements
Ruth E. Carter’s nomination for costume design makes her the most-nominated Black woman in Oscar history, with five nominations to date. Additionally, Autumn Durald Arkapaw’s nomination for cinematography marks only the fourth time a woman has been nominated for this prestigious award.
Competition Overview
While “Sinners” leads the nominations, the comedy “One Battle After Another” follows closely, receiving 13 nominations. Paul Thomas Anderson, with 11 prior nominations but no wins, is favored for both Best Picture and Best Director. His film features stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio del Toro.
Notable Snubs
Some missed opportunities in this year’s nominations include Chase Infiniti from “One Battle After Another” and Paul Mescal in the supporting actor category.
Trends in Nominations
This year’s nominations reflect a trend toward greater international representation in the Academy. Films like “Sentimental Value” and “The Secret Agent” received multiple nods, indicating the Academy’s evolving values.
- “Sentimental Value” – 9 nominations, including 4 acting
- “The Secret Agent” – Nominations for best picture and best actor (Wagner Moura)
Diverse Voting Base
Recent efforts to diversify the Oscar voting body are evident. Over a quarter of the nearly 11,000 voters are now from outside the U.S., with 35% identifying as women and 25% from ethnic minorities.
Upcoming Key Dates
The second round of Oscar voting commences on February 26, followed by the awards ceremony on March 15, 2026. The event will be hosted by Conan O’Brien, promising an exciting night celebrating cinematic achievements.
With “Sinners” making history with its record 16 Oscar nominations, the film industry eagerly anticipates March’s ceremony, which may redefine previous standards for success at the Oscars.
