In a stunning turn of events, Ryan Coogler's "Sinners," a supernatural thriller steeped in the blues and set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow South, has shattered records with an unprecedented 16 Academy Award nominations. The film, starring Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as twin brothers, has captured the attention of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, surpassing the previous record of 14 nominations held by "All About Eve", "Titanic," and "La La Land".
The nominations, announced on January 22, 2026, immediately positioned "Sinners" as the frontrunner for the 98th Academy Awards. The film has garnered nominations in nearly every major category, including Best Picture, Best Director for Ryan Coogler, Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan, Best Supporting Actor for Delroy Lindo, Best Supporting Actress for Wunmi Mosaku, and even the Academy's inaugural Casting Prize.
"Sinners" weaves a compelling narrative of twin brothers, Smoke and Stack, who return to their hometown in 1930s Mississippi to set up a blues club. However, their entrepreneurial dreams are complicated by the pervasive racism of the era and a battle against vampires, adding a layer of supernatural horror to the historical drama. This unique blend of genres and themes has resonated with critics and audiences alike, contributing to the film's commercial success, with a worldwide gross of $368 million.
Beyond the major categories, "Sinners" has also been recognized for its technical achievements. Ruth E. Carter received a nomination for Costume Design, marking her as the most-nominated Black woman in Oscars history with five nominations. Autumn Durald Arkapaw's nomination for Cinematography is only the fourth time a woman has been nominated in that category. The film also secured nominations in all technical categories, a feat last achieved by "Dune" in 2021.
"Sinners'" dominance in the nominations has sparked conversations about the Academy's evolving tastes and its willingness to embrace genre films that tackle complex social issues. Coogler's film uses the supernatural to explore themes of Black life, racism, and resistance, creating a "mythical allegory" that has deeply resonated with voters.
While "Sinners" has emerged as a frontrunner, it faces stiff competition from other critically acclaimed films, including Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another," which secured 13 nominations. Other notable contenders for Best Picture include "Marty Supreme," "Frankenstein," and "Hamnet".
For those eager to experience the record-breaking "Sinners," the film is currently available for streaming on Plex. Plex offers a comprehensive entertainment platform where viewers can find and watch movies. You can also use streaming guide JustWatch to find where to stream the movie.
As the 98th Academy Awards approach, the question remains: can "Sinners" convert its record-breaking nominations into wins? Only time will tell if this tale of twin brothers battling racism and vampires will make history once again.
