Ryan Coogler’s film Sinners made headlines at the 98th Academy Awards held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, where it won four Oscars, including Best Original Screenplay for Coogler himself.
Michael B. Jordan, who starred in Sinners, won his first Best Actor award for his performance, marking a significant milestone in his career as he became the sixth Black man to receive this honor.
Sinners, which received a record-breaking 16 nominations, tells the story of twin brothers confronting supernatural vampires in 1932 Mississippi. The film’s success at the Oscars included wins for Best Cinematography and Best Original Score, showcasing its artistic achievements.
Coogler’s win for Best Original Screenplay makes him the second Black writer to achieve this accolade, further highlighting the film’s impact on the industry.
Jordan dedicated his award to his parents, partner, and the cast of Sinners, expressing gratitude for their support. He stated, “I feel it. I know you guys want me to do well. And I want to do that because you guys bet on me.”
During his acceptance speech, Coogler expressed his nervousness and gratitude, saying, “Please sit down because I’m very nervous, and they’re going to play me off.” He also thanked the Academy for recognizing their film, which was released nearly a year prior, calling it an “incredible honor.”
In addition to Coogler and Jordan, Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history by winning Best Cinematography for Sinners, becoming the first woman of color to win in that category. Ludwig Göransson also won for Best Original Score, contributing to the film’s overall success.
This collaboration marks the fifth film between Coogler and Jordan, following their previous works including Fruitvale Station, Creed, Black Panther, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
The achievements of Sinners at the Oscars reflect a growing recognition of diverse voices in Hollywood and the importance of storytelling that resonates with a wide audience.
As the film industry continues to evolve, the success of Sinners and its creators sets a precedent for future filmmakers and actors, inspiring a new generation of talent.