In a record-breaking moment for cinema, Sinners — the critically acclaimed film directed by Ryan Coogler — has earned 16 nominations at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026), more than any movie in the history of the ceremony. The tally surpasses the long-standing record of 14 nominations previously shared by classics like All About Eve (1950), Titanic (1997) and La La Land (2016).
Record-Setting Nominations
The announcement of the Oscar nominations on January 22, 2026 revealed that Sinners not only led the field but set a new all-time high with 16 nods, including major categories such as Best Picture, Best Director for Coogler, and Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan — his first nomination in that category.
The film also secured nominations across the board in categories that highlight its craft and technical excellence, such as:
- Best Original Screenplay
- Best Original Score
- Best Original Song
- Best Cinematography
- Best Production Design
- Best Costume Design
- Best Editing
- Best Makeup & Hairstyling
- Best Sound
- Best Visual Effects
- Best Casting (a newly introduced category this year)
- Supporting acting nods for Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku
🎥 What Sinners Is About
Sinners is a genre-defying epic set during the Jim Crow era, blending historical drama with supernatural elements. The film follows themes of racial injustice, community resilience and cultural identity, while also incorporating genre elements that challenge traditional Oscar fare. Its combination of powerful performances and immersive world-building has resonated strongly with critics and Academy voters alike.
How It Compares to Oscar History
Until this year, no film had ever received more than 14 nominations. All About Eve set the original record in 1950, and that mark stood for decades until it was tied by Titanic and La La Land. Now, Sinners has raised the bar with 16 nominations, a rare achievement that marks a milestone in awards season history.
Taking home multiple nominations in key categories — and even more across technical and creative disciplines — highlights not just the film’s prestige but its broad appeal within the Academy.
Other Leading Contenders
Close behind Sinners in the nominations race was Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, with 13 nods, including several acting and directing categories. Other films with multiple nominations include Frankenstein, Marty Supreme, Sentimental Value and Hamnet, showing a diverse and global field of contenders.
What This Means for the Oscars
The Oscars ceremony, set for 15 March 2026, now promises a fiercely competitive race across acting, directing, writing, and technical awards. With Sinners holding the record for the most nominations ever, expectations are high for both recognition and wins — though high nomination counts do not always translate into the most trophies. Still, its dominance in nominations positions it as a central figure in this year’s awards narrative.
Final Take
Sinners’ historic 16 nominations at the 98th Academy Awards mark a landmark moment in Oscars history. Surpassing legendary films that once held the record, it reflects both the film’s individual excellence and the Academy’s expanding appreciation for bold, genre-defying storytelling. Whether Sinners will scoop multiple wins remains to be seen, but its unprecedented nomination haul has already secured its place in cinematic history.
