Sinners Makes Oscar History With Record Breaking 16 Nominations
The 2026 Academy Award nominations are officially out, and one film has completely rewritten the history books. Sinners has emerged as the most nominated movie in Oscar history, earning an unprecedented 16 nominations and setting a new all time record. The achievement places the film above legendary titles like Titanic, La La Land, and All About Eve, cementing Sinners as a defining film of this awards season.
Directed by Ryan Coogler, Sinners dominated nearly every major category. The film earned a nomination for Best Picture, firmly positioning it as the frontrunner heading into Oscar night. Coogler received a Best Director nomination for his work, continuing his streak as one of the most impactful filmmakers of his generation. Michael B Jordan was recognized with a Best Actor nomination for his leading performance, while Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku both earned nominations for their supporting roles.
Beyond the acting categories, Sinners showed its strength across the technical and creative fields. The film received nominations for Original Screenplay, Cinematography, Production Design, Costume Design, Film Editing, Sound, and Original Score. The wide range of nominations highlights the depth of the film’s craftsmanship and the collective effort behind its success. This was not a film carried by one element alone. Every department showed up at the highest level.
The record breaking nomination count reflects the film’s impact both culturally and artistically. Sinners blends genre storytelling with emotional depth, strong performances, and bold direction, allowing it to connect with audiences while earning critical acclaim. Its recognition across so many categories shows that the Academy embraced the film as a complete cinematic experience.
This historic moment also marks a major achievement for Ryan Coogler, who now leads a film that has surpassed every movie before it in nominations. It is a statement moment not just for the cast and crew, but for the future of filmmaking and storytelling at the highest level.
As Oscar night approaches, the question is no longer whether Sinners has made history. That is already guaranteed. The only question left is how many of those 16 nominations will turn into wins. Regardless of the outcome, Sinners has already secured its place as one of the most significant films the Academy has ever recognized.