Director Ryan Coogler paid an emotional tribute to his late uncle while discussing his blues-inspired vampire film Sinners, which stands out with a record 16 Oscar nominations. Coogler expressed how his personal connection influenced the creation of the film during his heartfelt reflections at the event.
Oscar contenders across Hollywood have shared thoughts on their nominated works amid this year’s ceremony, highlighting the dedication and intense preparation behind each project. The Ryan Coogler Oscars Tribute captures the filmmaker’s profound inspiration, while other nominees like Rose Byrne and Leonardo DiCaprio also conveyed their perspectives on the awards and the art of filmmaking.
Ryan Coogler’s Personal Dedication Behind “Sinners”
Ryan Coogler revealed that his screenplay for Sinners was written in memory of his uncle, who passed away 11 years ago. Coogler conveyed the emotional weight tied to the project, imagining his uncle celebrating with blues music, which is central to the film’s theme. His deep passion for filmmaking was evident as he shared that he was working on writing even up to the night before the interview.
I wrote this script for my uncle who passed away 11 years ago. I got to imagine that he’s listening to some blues music right now to celebrate. I love making movies. I’m honored to wake up every day and do it. I was writing last night. That’s why I didn’t get too much sleep. Honestly, bro, I still feel a little bit asleep right now.
— Ryan Coogler, Director and Writer
Leonardo DiCaprio Reflects on the Power of Shared Movie Experiences
Leonardo DiCaprio, nominated for Best Actor, emphasized the collective emotional connection that film audiences share. He spoke about the unique impact of watching a movie surrounded by others, drawing parallels between cinema and other communal artistic experiences like music and opera. For DiCaprio, the essence lies in original, memorable storytelling that brings people together.
At the end of the day it’s about trying to be in films that are memorable. To me what matters is great ideas and original filmmaking. The only thing I feel strongly is inherent in us as a species is the idea of us getting together and feeling any great piece of music, of opera, the communal experience of watching a film together and picking up on emotions with a population of people around you.
— Leonardo DiCaprio, Actor
Rose Byrne’s Intensive Preparation for a Challenging Role
Rose Byrne shared insights into the demanding process behind her critically acclaimed role in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. Filmed in just 27 days with very tight takes, the role was shaped through five weeks of intensive rehearsals with director Mary Bronstein. Byrne described that routine as a rare opportunity that deepened her connection to the character and strengthened her performance.
Byrne also recounted the joyful moment when she learned of her Best Actress nomination, conveying the excitement she felt as her husband and family celebrated with her in the middle of the night.
“We did the movie in 27 days for like $8.50, and it was two takes, maybe three. And the blessing was, for five weeks, (director Mary Bronstein) and I met three days a week and just rehearsed. We just talked through the script, page after page after page. That preparation was such a gift. And Mary pushed for that. She was very performance driven. And this role was a gift, it was an absolute gift for an actress to have. I just didn’t want to (expletive) it up.”
It’s the middle of the night in Australia. I was falling asleep and then (husband Bobby Cannavale) starts FaceTiming me (from New York) because I wanted to try and stay up but it was so late. And then he started screaming, it was like ‘They said your name!’ and then my parents came in the room, they’re like ‘Oh my God’ and then we were all screaming, and that was it. Now I’ve had a shot of adrenaline and I’m wide awake.
— Rose Byrne, Actress
Ludwig Göransson on Collaborative Spirit and Blues Heritage in “Sinners”
Composer Ludwig Göransson described the atmosphere around Sinners as a close-knit family effort, reflecting long-standing collaborative relationships. He highlighted the film’s dedication to blues music, underscoring the genre’s cultural significance and its influence on Western music today.
We woke up to a bunch of amazing, beautiful texts and calls. And it’s very much like a family affair, this film. Everyone on
Sinners,
we’ve been working together for a long time and we’re kind of like a family. What’s cool about this film, and what’s incredible about this movie, is that it’s about blues music. It’s about a guitar player. … Anything we’re hearing today on the radio and from Western culture, you know, wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for blues. Ryan (Coogler) was able to show that in the movie and through the movie.
— Ludwig Göransson, Composer
Diane Warren Reflects on the Honor of Oscar Recognition
Veteran songwriter Diane Warren discussed the significance of receiving a nomination for Best Original Song for Dear Me, from the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless. She expressed her deep respect for the competitive nature of the awards and emphasized how any nomination itself is a substantial victory within the industry.
It’s awesome. Look, it is not easy to be nominated. And there’s a lot of songs, and from bigger movies or whatever. … I always say this, I really mean it from my heart, that to be nominated is winning because these are the best of the best in the fields of film, music, that vote for you. And the fact that a song of mine earns their respect means everything to me.
— Diane Warren, Songwriter
Emotional Impact and Star Performance in “Hamnet”
Producer Liza Marshall shared the powerful emotional response audiences continue to have toward the film Hamnet, explaining how viewers remain seated through the credits to savor the connection before returning to reality. She also praised lead actress Jessie Buckley for her natural and unforced performance, describing her acting as deeply primal and wordless in its storytelling power.
We continue to be amazed by people’s deep emotional connections to the film. At the end, people don’t get up, they sit and watch the credits, because they want a moment in the dark before they step out into the real world again. It’s connecting with people on a deep emotional level which we always wanted, but it’s so exciting that it’s happening.
There’s something about her that’s primal. When you watch her she is not acting, she is just being. There are so many moments in the film where you can see the story playing across her face, with no words. I can’t think of another actor who can do that in quite that way.
— Liza Marshall, Producer
Composer Alexandre Desplat Comments on Guillermo del Toro’s Vision in “Frankenstein”
Alexandre Desplat expressed his happiness at being nominated for the Best Original Score for Frankenstein, highlighting how director Guillermo del Toro’s long-held dream became part of a thematic trilogy about empathy and love for those who are different. Desplat praised the creative freedom given to him, allowing the music to range from delicate violin solos to expansive symphonic orchestras with choral elements.
I’m very happy. It’s great news of the day. It’s (director) Guillermo (del Toro’s) dream project since he was a kid, but it’s also the third movement of a triptych, which starts with
The Shape of Water, (about a) creature, Pinocchio, a creature and then Frankenstein,
the creature. So, it’s three stories about love, empathy for people who are different. The way Guillermo gave me the space to write music is, I think — (how it) goes from a little solo violin to a huge symphonic orchestra with choir — it’s everything a composer can dream of.
— Alexandre Desplat, Composer
Nicholas Pike Excited by Contemporary Opera Nomination
Nicholas Pike spoke about his excitement upon learning that an operatic aria he composed, Sweet Dreams Of Joy from Viva Verdi!, was nominated. He highlighted how rare it is for contemporary opera to be recognized in the Oscars and expressed his passion for music documentaries that celebrate the art form and its practitioners, such as Verdi and the retirement home he established for musicians.
While nervous, Pike found the nomination deeply rewarding and indicative of the enduring importance of opera and classical music in modern culture.
Bryce Dessner Celebrates Collaboration and Themes in “Train Dreams”
Bryce Dessner warmly received his nomination for Best Original Song for Train Dreams, recognizing it as a significant achievement despite previously winning Grammys. He spoke about collaborating closely with Nick Cave, whose artistic influence is substantial for Dessner and his band, The National. The film’s exploration of grief, loss, and empathy resonated strongly given the current global climate filled with conflict and suffering.
It’s a wonderful piece of news. I won’t lie. I’ve won Grammys before, but Oscars always felt like a whole other world. It’s a really beautiful small film … and it’s wonderful to have collaborated with Nick Cave on this song for this film. He’s, like, a huge influence and musical hero of mine and of my band, The National. And to get to do this with him is extra special. Train Dreams
is a film about grief and loss and human empathy … And I think especially right now in the time we’re living in, with so much conflict and suffering in the world, I think that a film about empathy and about grief really is something that everyone can relate to, regardless of where you’re sitting.
— Bryce Dessner, Composer
This year’s Oscars not only highlight extraordinary artistic achievements but also reveal the personal stories and emotional connections behind them. Ryan Coogler’s tribute to his late uncle through Sinners exemplifies how personal experiences inspire powerful storytelling. As the ceremony progresses, these glimpses behind the scenes remind audiences of the resilience and passion fueling today’s most acclaimed filmmakers, actors, and composers, offering an optimistic view of cinema’s enduring cultural impact.
