Sinners’ Gets Record 16 Oscar Nominations to Lead Awards Race

In a historic moment for Hollywood, Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” has shattered Academy Awards tradition by receiving a record‑breaking 16 nominations, the most ever for a single film in the history of the Oscars. The nominations for the 98th Academy Awards, announced Thursday morning, place the genre‑bending period epic at the center of this year’s awards conversation and position it as a major contender across an extraordinary range of categories.

A New Oscar Record

“Sinners” surpassed the longstanding nomination record of 14, previously shared by three iconic films — All About Eve (1950), Titanic (1997), and La La Land (2016) — each of which had held the honor for decades. With its 16 nominations, “Sinners” now stands alone at the top of Oscar history, marking a remarkable achievement for both the film and its creative team.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ decision to recognize “Sinners” so broadly reflects both its artistic impact and the breadth of its appeal. The nominations span major categories including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay for Coogler, as well as Best Actor for lead star Michael B. Jordan, who earned his first Oscar nomination for his dual performance in the film.

About “Sinners”

Directed by Ryan Coogler, “Sinners” is a supernatural drama set against the backdrop of 1930s Mississippi. The film blends historical themes with genre elements, telling the story of twin brothers — both portrayed by Michael B. Jordan — navigating both the social realities of the Jim Crow era and a chilling battle against vampire forces. Its mix of historical depth, emotional resonance, and dynamic genre filmmaking has captivated critics and audiences alike, helping it become a standout in awards season.

All the Major Nods

In addition to its historic nomination count, “Sinners” picked up nods across both prestigious and technical categories, demonstrating wide acclaim from Academy voters. Some of the key nominations include:

Best Picture

Best Director (Ryan Coogler)

Best Actor (Michael B. Jordan)

Best Supporting Actor (Delroy Lindo)

Best Supporting Actress (Wunmi Mosaku)

Best Original Screenplay

Best Cinematography

Best Costume Design

Best Visual Effects

Best Casting (a new category introduced this year)

This expansive list showcases the film’s strength both in storytelling and technical craft, cementing its broad industry respect.

The Competition Heating Up

Trailing closely behind with the second‑most nominations — 13 in total — is Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, a powerful drama that has also received significant awards attention. This film features a strong ensemble cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio in a leading role, and is widely expected to be a formidable rival to “Sinners” on Oscar night.

Other films making waves in the nominations list include:

“Hamnet” — a critically acclaimed adaptation featuring Jessie Buckley, nominated for Best Actress.

“Marty Supreme” — with nominations in major categories including Best Actor for Timothée Chalamet.

“Sentimental Value” and “Frankenstein”, both praised for their storytelling and performances.

The Best Picture category showcases a diverse slate of 10 films, reflecting a strong year in cinema that combines genre works, historical narratives, and innovative filmmaking.

Industry and Cultural Impact

The sweeping success of “Sinners” is significant on multiple levels. Beyond its record‑breaking nomination total, the film represents a rare genre piece — a horror‑infused drama — gaining major awards recognition, at a time when such films are often overlooked by the Academy’s top categories. Its achievement may signal a broader shift in how genre films are perceived during awards season.

Additionally, the film’s casting and production elements highlight the Academy’s evolving recognition of diverse stories, voices, and styles. The inclusion of nominations for performances by actors such as Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku reflects the expanding range of performances celebrated on cinema’s biggest stage.

Awards Season Momentum

While “Sinners” leads the Oscar nominations, the final outcomes on March 15, 2026 — the date of the 98th Academy Awards ceremony broadcast live on ABC and streaming on Hulu — remain anyone’s guess. The film’s dominance in nominations positions it as a favorite, but awards history has shown that nominations don’t always translate directly into wins. Competitors like “One Battle After Another” and other strong contenders could still sway voters in key categories.

For many in the film industry and moviegoers alike, however, the historic nomination total is itself a triumph — one that celebrates artistic ambition, genre evolution, and the collaborative efforts of an extraordinary team. Whether “Sinners” ultimately sweeps the ceremony or shares the spotlight with its fellow nominees, its place in Oscar history is already secured.

Looking Ahead

As the countdown to Oscar night continues, audiences around the world will be watching closely. The record‑setting nomination haul for “Sinners” not only sets high expectations for the awards but also reflects a vibrant year in filmmaking that honors both innovation and tradition. With such a compelling group of nominees, this year’s Oscars promise to be one of the most memorable in recent history.