Ryan Coogler's vampire horror epic Sinners has shattered Oscar history by earning 16 Academy Award nominations, the most any single film has ever received, surpassing the longstanding record of 14 shared by All About Eve, Titanic, and La La Land. The record-breaking haul dominated the conversation at the 98th Academy Awards nominees luncheon held at the Beverly Hilton on Monday, where 197 nominees gathered for the traditional pre-ceremony celebration. When Coogler's name was read aloud for his nominations in best picture, best director, and best original screenplay, he received the loudest and most sustained ovation of the afternoon.
The nominations represent a historic milestone for the film's cast and crew. Michael B. Jordan earned his first-ever Oscar nomination for his dual performance as twins Smoke and Stack Moore, competing in the best lead actor category. Delroy Lindo received a supporting actor nomination, while Wunmi Mosaku was recognized in the supporting actress field. Coogler became the seventh Black filmmaker to earn a best director nomination, a distinction not achieved since Spike Lee's nod for BlacKkKlansman seven years ago. Costume designer Ruth E. Carter also earned a nomination, adding to the film's sweep across virtually every major category.
The luncheon itself drew a dazzling array of Hollywood talent. Emma Stone, Timothee Chalamet, and Leonardo DiCaprio were seated together and drew constant attention throughout the event. Kate Hudson marked a notable return to the Oscar spotlight, attending the luncheon for the first time in 25 years since her breakthrough performance in Almost Famous. Elle Fanning and Rose Byrne were also among the nominees present, contributing to what organizers described as one of the best-attended luncheons in recent memory.
The dominance of Sinners in the nominations also highlighted a significant absence. Wicked: For Good, one of the year's biggest box-office performers, was shut out entirely from the nominations, a snub that stunned industry observers and fueled debate about the disconnect between commercial success and awards recognition. The contrast between the record-setting genre film and the overlooked musical blockbuster became one of the most discussed storylines of the awards season.
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. With Sinners competing in 16 categories, the film has positioned itself as the overwhelming frontrunner, though history shows that the most nominated films do not always claim the top prize. Coogler and Jordan have been on an extensive campaign trail in recent weeks, making appearances at guild screenings and industry events. The film's achievement is seen as a landmark moment for genre cinema at the Oscars, proving that horror films can compete at the highest level of critical and institutional recognition.
Comments