The 98th Academy Awards nominations brought a historic first: Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, has become the first film ever to earn 16 Oscar nominations, breaking the previous record of 14 held by All About Eve, Titanic, and La La Land.
Released by Warner Bros., Sinners is a supernatural drama set in 1930s Mississippi. It tells the story of twin brothers who open a blues club while grappling with racial tensions and mystical forces. The film has been praised for its storytelling, performances, and technical achievements, and has earned over $368 million globally.
The nominations cover almost every major category. Sinners is up for Best Picture, Best Director (Coogler), Best Actor (Michael B. Jordan), Best Supporting Actor (Delroy Lindo), and Best Supporting Actress (Wunmi Mosaku). It also received nods for Original Screenplay, Cinematography, Costume Design, Film Editing, Makeup & Hairstyling, Sound, Visual Effects, Music Score, and Original Song.
Other films also performed strongly: One Battle After Another received 13 nominations, while Marty Supreme, Frankenstein, and Sentimental Value earned multiple nods. The Academy’s selections reflect growing recognition of genre films alongside traditional dramas.
The nominations highlight diversity in talent, with a mix of established stars and breakthrough performers. The awards ceremony will take place on March 15, hosted by Conan O’Brien, promising a star-studded evening celebrating the year’s cinematic achievements.
By surpassing the long-standing nomination record, Sinners has not only dominated this year’s Oscars race but also set a new benchmark for excellence in filmmaking. Its record-breaking recognition marks it as the defining film of the 2026 awards season.
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