Sinners Shatters Oscar Records as Ryan Coogler’s Vampire Epic Reigns Supreme

The cinematic landscape is seeing a resurgence of the undead, according to the latest 2026 Academy Award nominations. Ryan Coogler’s Sinners—a haunting gothic horror set against the backdrop of 1930s Mississippi—has made history. The film secured an unprecedented 16 nominations across 24 categories, setting a new benchmark for the most nods ever received by a single motion picture.

The writer-director, known for his work on Black Panther, saw his film recognized in premier categories including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress. Sinners also dominated the technical fields, picking up nominations for Sound, Production Design, and Makeup and Hairstyling. This massive haul more than doubles Coogler’s career Oscar nominations, which were previously accumulated through Creed and his two entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

By reaching 16 nominations, Sinners eclipsed the long-standing record of 14 originally established by All About Eve in 1950 and later matched by Titanic in 1998. This year’s race was particularly competitive, as Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another also joined that exclusive 14-nomination club. For comparison, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer narrowly missed these heights during the 2024 ceremony with 13 nominations.

However, the morning wasn’t a celebration for everyone. In a shocking turn of events, the high-profile sequel Wicked: For Good was entirely overlooked, failing to secure a single nomination. This marks a stark contrast to its predecessor, Wicked, which garnered 10 nominations and took home two Oscars for its visual and structural craftsmanship last year.

Film enthusiasts can tune in to see if Sinners will convert its record-breaking nominations into wins during the 98th Academy Awards, airing March 15 on ABC at 7 p.m. EDT / 4 p.m. PDT.

Source: Polygon