Oakland native Ryan Coogler’s latest film, Sinners, made history at the 2026 Academy Awards by receiving 16 nominations, the most ever for a single film. These nominations include top categories such as best picture, best director, and best original screenplay, highlighting the film’s impressive critical acclaim and commercial success. The film’s recognition extends to Oakland actor Delroy Lindo, who earned a surprising nod for best supporting actor.
The Film’s Distinctive Story and Exceptional Cast
Sinners is an R-rated, genre-bending musical horror set in 1932 Mississippi. It follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack, played by Michael B. Jordan, who return to their hometown as World War I veterans with a criminal past. Using stolen money, they buy a sawmill with plans to establish a juke joint to uplift the Black community. However, warnings about the dark curse linked to blues music force them to confront a supernatural threat. Jordan’s portrayal of the twins continues his collaborative journey with Coogler, which previously included films such as Fruitvale Station, Creed, and Black Panther.
Delroy Lindo takes on the role of Delta Slim, a harmonica-playing local legend. Born in London but deeply rooted in the Bay Area, Lindo trained at the American Conservatory Theater and is closely tied to Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Wunmi Mosaku earned a best supporting actress nomination for her role as Annie, Smoke’s estranged wife and a practitioner of Hoodoo.
Ryan Coogler’s Personal Milestones and Collaborations
Coogler, who studied at Saint Mary’s College in Moraga and Sacramento State before completing an MFA in film at USC, received personal nominations for directing, original screenplay, and producing Sinners. The film also earned recognition in technical categories such as casting, production design, cinematography, costume design, editing, makeup and hairstyling, sound, visual effects, original score, and original song for “I Lied to You.”
Making history as only the second Black filmmaker nominated in the same year for producing, directing, and original screenplay, Coogler follows Jordan Peele’s 2017 triple nod for Get Out. He becomes the seventh Black director to be nominated for best director, joining the ranks of John Singleton, Lee Daniels, Steve McQueen, Barry Jenkins, Jordan Peele, and Spike Lee—all of whom have yet to win in that category.
Roots of Inspiration and Creative Vision Behind “Sinners”
Coogler revealed that Sinners draws inspiration from his childhood memories with his uncle James, who grew up in Mississippi and later settled in Oakland. The blues music and stories shared during their time together left a lasting impression on Coogler’s artistic vision.
(My uncle) came West and worked at a steel factory and we’d listen to blues records,
Coogler recalled.
That was like his pasttime. That, and he was a San Francisco Giants fan. We’d watch games on TV and if they weren’t on TV we’d listen to them on the radio. It was Giants and blues music and Old Taylor Whiskey.
– Ryan Coogler, Filmmaker
Coogler emphasized the urgency and deeply personal nature of this project, choosing to work with longtime collaborators including Michael B. Jordan to bring Sinners to life.
I wanted to make something great and I felt like I was running out of time to be able to give myself so completely (over) to a project that was so personal,
he said.
I felt like all my collaborators were getting older and…our lives were becoming more complicated and I just had this instinct that now was the time. It was like now or never. Like (making) something this bold and crazy with all the people I loved and trusted.
– Ryan Coogler, Filmmaker
Significant Contributions from Coogler’s Trusted Team
Several of Coogler’s longtime collaborators also earned Oscar nominations for their work on Sinners: costume designer Ruth E. Carter, who previously won twice for Black Panther and its sequel; Autumn Durald Arkapaw, the director of photography and the first woman of color nominated for best cinematography; production designer Hannah Beachler, another past Oscar winner for Coogler’s earlier work; editor Michael P. Shawver; and composer Ludwig Göransson, who has won multiple Oscars for his previous scores.
Implications and Outlook for the Awards Season
The overwhelming recognition of Sinners and Ryan Coogler reflects a turning point in Hollywood’s approach to diverse storytelling and genre innovation. With a record-breaking 16 nominations, the film not only sets a new standard for future nominees but also highlights Coogler’s emergence as a powerful creative force. As the Oscars ceremony approaches, much anticipation centers on whether Coogler, who already makes history with his multiple personal nominations, will finally secure a best director win, potentially rewriting the Academy’s record books once again.
