On January 22, 2026, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled the nominations for the 98th Academy Awards. Making headlines around the globe was one film in particular: Sinners. Directed by Ryan Coogler, this bold supernatural thriller shattered Oscar history by receiving 16 nominations — the most ever bestowed on a single film. This surpasses the previous record of 14 nominations shared by classics like All About Eve, Titanic, and La La Land.
Sinners didn’t just lead the 2026 nominations — it redefined what a genre film, especially one rooted in horror elements, can achieve in the traditionally prestige-focused world of the Academy Awards.
Here’s an in-depth look at the film’s story, cast, critical acclaim, and — most importantly — the full list of the 16 Oscar categories for which Sinners was nominated.
What Sinners Is About
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners is a daring fusion of historical drama, horror, and supernatural thriller, set against the stark backdrop of the Jim Crow American South in the 1930s. The film follows a group of Black musicians who travel to rural Mississippi to open a blues club — but their plans are derailed when an ancient curse of vampirism begins to plague their journey, intertwining racial terror and folklore with bone-chilling horror.
The film blends social commentary with genre horror in ways that critics have described as both visceral and transcendent, pulling audiences into an emotional and psychological experience that goes far beyond conventional scares. Its success at the box office — earning hundreds of millions worldwide — also defied typical expectations for films unanchored by blockbuster IP or franchise branding.
Importantly, Sinners taps deeply into themes of identity, resilience, and the haunting legacy of American history, making its Oscar recognition not just for spectacle but for deep artistic resonance.
The Stellar Cast of Sinners
The film’s critical and awards buzz was driven by a remarkable ensemble, including:
Michael B. Jordan — Lead Actor
Jordan plays the central figure(s) of the story — in a powerful dual role that anchors the narrative with emotional depth. This performance earned him his first Best Actor Oscar nomination, a milestone in his acclaimed career.
Jordan’s portrayal is physically demanding, emotionally raw, and quietly profound — balancing the supernatural aspects with grounded humanity.
Wunmi Mosaku — Supporting Actress
British-Nigerian actress Wunmi Mosaku earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role in Sinners, highlighting her commanding performance and screen presence.
Delroy Lindo — Supporting Actor
Delroy Lindo’s performance as a rugged, morally complex supporting character won him a Best Supporting Actor nomination, adding another layer of critical acclaim to the film.
Beyond the leads, Sinners features strong turns from an ensemble cast, each adding texture to the world Coogler builds — from musicians to townsfolk, all contributing to a narrative that feels lived-in and visceral.
Record-Breaking Nominations for Oscar 2026
The Academy Awards nominations recognized Sinners across a striking diversity of categories — from the most prominent artistic honors to the deeply technical crafts that make cinema magic happen. Below is the full list of 16 nominations Sinners received:
1. Best Picture
This is the Academy’s highest honor, awarded to the producers of the film. Sinners being nominated for Best Picture cements it as one of the most critically respected films of the year — a movie not just loved by audiences but deeply appreciated by industry peers.
Best Picture nominations are selected by the entire Academy membership, and Sinners’ presence here underscores its broad support across all branches of filmmaking.
2. Best Director — Ryan Coogler
Ryan Coogler joins a remarkable shortlist of directors nominated for Best Director — a testament to his visionary approach in blending genre and substance. His ability to craft Sinners from script to screen with emotional precision and visual nuance earned him this nomination.
Coogler has previously made waves with films like Black Panther and Creed, and this nomination underscores his evolution as a filmmaker with both commercial and artistic clout.
3. Best Actor — Michael B. Jordan
Jordan’s nomination for Best Actor marks a career highlight. His layered, commanding performance in Sinners — balancing emotional intensity with physical commitment — represents one of his most challenging and acclaimed roles to date.
Given the historical weight of the category, this nod is notable not just for Jordan but for the broader cultural acknowledgment of performances that bridge genre and prestige.
4. Best Supporting Actress — Wunmi Mosaku
A standout in the field, Mosaku’s performance in Sinners earned her a Best Supporting Actress nomination — spotlighting her dynamic range and the depth she brings to every scene she inhabits.
Her presence among the nominees highlights the Academy’s embrace of powerful performances in films that push boundaries.
5. Best Supporting Actor — Delroy Lindo
Lindo’s nomination for Best Supporting Actor reflects his nuanced portrayal of a pivotal supporting figure in Sinners. His work enriches the film’s emotional landscape and stands as one of the year’s most memorable supporting turns.
6. Best Original Screenplay
This category recognizes excellence in original storytelling. Sinners was nominated for Best Original Screenplay — honoring the compelling, layered script that blends horror, history, and human drama into a wholly unique narrative tapestry.
The screenplay’s originality — and its ability to balance thematic weight with genre mechanics — makes this nomination especially deserved.
7. Best Original Song — “I Lied To You”
The film received a nomination in the Best Original Song category for “I Lied To You,” a haunting musical piece that deepens the emotional and atmospheric resonance of Sinners.
Original Song nominations highlight how music enriches storytelling, and this nomination signals that Sinners’ soundscape was as impactful as its visuals and performances.
8. Best Music (Original Score)
Music plays a critical role in Sinners, where blues and original compositions help define the mood and emotional texture of the film. Its nomination for Best Original Score recognizes the power of this musical storytelling element.
9. Casting (New Academy Category)
In 2026, the Oscars introduced a new category for Casting — a nod to the crucial role casting directors play in shaping the soul of a film. Sinners was among the films nominated here, highlighting the strength and chemistry of its ensemble.
This new category is a landmark moment for the Academy and adds to Sinners’ historical significance.
10. Costume Design
From period-accurate attire to visuals that enhance character identity, Sinners earned a nomination for Costume Design — celebrating the film’s aesthetic authenticity.
Costumes in historical films like Sinners aren’t just decoration — they reflect cultural context and visual storytelling.
11. Production Design
Production Design encompasses the visual world of the film — sets, environments, and spaces that make the narrative feel real. Sinners earned its nomination here for its vivid, immersive settings.
12. Cinematography
The film’s atmospheric lighting and evocative frames earned Sinners a nomination for Best Cinematography — a recognition of the artistic eye behind the camera.
This nomination also marks Autumn Durald Arkapaw among the few women ever nominated in the cinematography category.
13. Editing
Editing shapes a film’s rhythm and emotional pace. Sinners received a nomination for Film Editing — a testament to the craft that threads its narrative together seamlessly.
14. Sound
From dialogue clarity to atmospheric audio effects, Sinners was nominated for Best Sound — recognizing its immersive and technically excellent audio design.
15. Makeup & Hairstyling
The film’s transformative looks — from period styling to supernatural elements — earned Sinners a nomination in Makeup & Hairstyling, highlighting the creativity of the team that brought these designs to life.
16. Visual Effects
Though not a traditional genre film, Sinners’ groundbreaking use of visual effects to create moments of horror and storytelling impact earned it a nomination in this category.
This nomination reflects how genre filmmaking continues to evolve technically and artistically.
What This Historic Tally Means
With 16 nominations, Sinners surpassed long-standing records, marking a watershed moment in Oscars history. Previously, films like Titanic, All About Eve, and La La Land held the record at 14 nominations — a record untouched for decades.
The scope of Sinners’ nominations — spanning acting, writing, directing, technical crafts, music, and the new casting category — illustrates broad industry respect. It’s rare for a film to be so universally recognized across disciplines, and even more remarkable for one rooted in horror elements — a genre historically under-represented at the Oscars.
Sinners wasn’t just nominated for awards; it was celebrated for redefining cinematic storytelling, diversifying what the Academy recognizes, and expanding the possibilities of genre film on the world’s biggest awards stage.
Looking Ahead to Oscar Night
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026, hosted by Conan O’Brien at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and broadcast on ABC.
While nominations don’t guarantee wins, Sinners is well positioned — with major categories like Best Picture, Director, and Acting among its nods. The film’s historical achievements have already left a lasting cultural impact.
Conclusion
From its roots as a bold speculative story to its record-shattering performance at the Oscars, Sinners stands as one of the most talked-about films of 2025-26. Its 16 Academy Award nominations span nearly every corner of filmmaking craft — from performance to production to technical art.
This achievement highlights the power of storytelling that takes risks, embraces genre while speaking to universal truths, and resonates with both audiences and industry peers.
Whether Sinners walks away with a haul of Oscars or not, its historic nomination record has already secured its place in film history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many Oscar nominations did the film Sinners receive in 2026?
The film Sinners received a total of 16 Oscar nominations at the 98th Academy Awards in 2026, making it the most-nominated film in Oscar history.
Is Sinners the most nominated film in Oscar history?
Yes, Sinners set a new all-time record by earning 16 nominations, surpassing the previous record of 14 nominations held by films such as Titanic, All About Eve, and La La Land.
Which categories was Sinners nominated for at the Oscars 2026?
Sinners received nominations across major and technical categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Song, Best Original Score, Best Casting, Cinematography, Editing, Costume Design, Production Design, Sound, Makeup and Hairstyling, and Visual Effects.
Who directed the film Sinners?
Sinners was directed by Ryan Coogler, who also received an Oscar nomination for Best Director for his work on the film.
Which actors from Sinners were nominated for acting awards?
Michael B. Jordan was nominated for Best Actor, while Delroy Lindo received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor and Wunmi Mosaku earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Did Sinners receive any music-related Oscar nominations?
Yes, the film was nominated for Best Original Score and Best Original Song for the track “I Lied to You,” highlighting the importance of music in the film’s storytelling.
What is the new Oscar category in which Sinners was nominated?
Sinners was nominated in the Best Casting category, which was introduced as a new Academy Award category in 2026 to recognize excellence in casting.
When will the winners of the Oscars 2026 be announced?
The winners of the 98th Academy Awards will be announced during the Oscar ceremony scheduled to take place in March 2026.
Sources :
Academy Awards official nominations list (2026)
The Guardian
Los Angeles Times
The Hindu
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