The film industry is buzzing, and at the heart of the excitement is Michael B. Jordan, who is struggling to articulate the overwhelming emotions following an unprecedented Oscar nomination morning. The 38-year-old actor, a seasoned veteran known for impactful roles in The Wire, Friday Night Lights, and the Creed franchise, has finally secured his first individual Academy Award nomination. This recognition is for his compelling, layered dual performance in the critically acclaimed horror-drama, Sinners.
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Jordan described the feeling as “solidifying.” He shared his lifelong admiration for the Academy, the filmmakers, and the fellow actors who have inspired him throughout his extensive career. To now be counted among them, to participate in those elite conversations, marks a true milestone.
Sinners Makes Oscar History with 16 Nominations
Michael B. Jordan’s personal achievement is just the beginning of Sinners‘ extraordinary story. The film has shattered records, earning a staggering 16 Oscar nominations – the most any movie has ever received in the Academy’s history for the 98th Annual Awards. This landmark achievement surpasses the previous record of 14 nominations held jointly by cinematic giants like All About Eve, Titanic, and La La Land.
Long-time collaborator Ryan Coogler, who has partnered with Jordan for over a decade, is also a significant figure in this success. Coogler personally received multiple nominations for Sinners, including Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Picture (as a producer). Jordan hailed this monumental showing as a “true affirmation” of their enduring creative partnership. The film, released in April 2025, has demonstrated broad critical appeal, securing nominations in almost every eligible category, from acting to numerous craft awards like cinematography and production design, and even a nod for Best Original Song.
A Profound, Personal Reaction to Unprecedented Success
Jordan confessed he chose to sleep in rather than rise early for the nomination announcements. He awoke instead to an outpouring of “love and affection.” Still “digesting it all,” he described the film’s record-breaking nominations as a testament to the entire production’s quality and the profound impact it had on audiences throughout the year. The sheer volume of individual acknowledgments for various aspects of the film proved difficult for him to put into words.
His first celebratory call wasn’t to a studio executive or even Coogler, but to his mother. He shared an emotional conversation filled with tears, acknowledging her foundational role in inspiring his acting career from the very beginning. While he initially missed connecting with Ryan Coogler due to simultaneous calls, he looked forward to speaking with his esteemed collaborator soon.
The Haunting Narrative and Stellar Ensemble of Sinners
Sinners is a horror epic set in the Mississippi River Delta during the 1930s. The film weaves a compelling narrative around twin gangster brothers, Smoke and Stack, both portrayed by Michael B. Jordan. Their plans to open a juke joint in their rural hometown are violently disrupted by a sudden vampire incursion. This “gory allegory” explores the deep-seated evils of the Jim Crow era South, delving into profound themes of music, race, family, religion, and the supernatural.
Jordan found playing the dual roles of Smoke and Stack both “fun” and “challenging,” relishing the opportunity to explore “two extreme sides” with distinct temperaments. The film also boasts an exceptional ensemble cast, with Hailee Steinfeld as Mary, Miles Caton as Sammie, and Jack O’Connell as Remmick. Legendary blues guitarist Buddy Guy even makes a special appearance.
Coogler’s Deeply Personal Vision and Co-Star Recognition
Director Ryan Coogler, celebrated for his work on Fruitvale Station, Creed, and the Black Panther franchise, penned and produced Sinners alongside his wife Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian. Coogler revealed that the project is a deeply personal “love letter” to his late uncle, who passed away in 2015. Creating Sinners was “nerve-wracking,” he admitted, feeling as though he was “opening himself up to the audience completely for the first time” with an entirely original story. The initial inspiration for the film struck him while listening to the blues song “Wang Dang Doodle,” a tune that reminded him of his Mississippi-native Uncle James.
Jordan expressed immense joy for his co-stars Wunmi Mosaku (Annie) and Delroy Lindo (Delta Slim), both of whom also received their first personal Oscar nominations for their outstanding performances in Sinners. Lindo’s supporting actor nomination was particularly noted as a pleasant surprise, marking his inaugural Academy Award recognition after decades in the industry.
Broader Industry Impact and Historical Achievements
Sinners‘ remarkable success comes at a crucial time for the film industry, particularly in the post-pandemic era. Jordan noted that this has been “a really, really great year” for audiences returning to theaters. He believes the strong turnout for films like Sinners underscores that artists, when given the proper opportunity, support, and space, can deliver powerful cinematic experiences that draw people back to the big screen. Being part of this movement and contributing to its momentum felt incredibly rewarding.
The actor also credited Warner Bros. executives Mike De Luca, Pam Abdy, and David Zaslav for taking “a big swing” in supporting Coogler’s ambitious vision for Sinners. The film’s record nominations and strong box office performance — grossing $368 million worldwide, a notable figure among Best Picture contenders — are seen as a powerful payoff for that faith. As Jordan succinctly put it, “You focus on building that house and people will come.”
Records Beyond Nominations
Beyond the sheer number of nominations, Sinners has fostered other significant historical achievements. Costume designer Ruth E. Carter earned her fifth career Oscar nomination for her work on Sinners, setting a new record as the most-nominated Black woman in any Oscar category. A two-time Oscar winner for her work on the Black Panther films, Carter now stands among the most-nominated Black creatives in Academy history.
The 98th Academy Awards also introduced a significant change: the addition of a “Best Casting” category, the first new Oscar category in 25 years. Sinners was among the five films nominated in this inaugural category, further contributing to its record count and highlighting the crucial role of casting directors.
Despite the monumental news, Michael B. Jordan’s immediate plans included heading back to the edit suite for The Thomas Crown Affair, a project he’s currently immersed in. However, he anticipated taking time that night to reflect on the day’s events, hinting that there would certainly be “signs of celebration” to come. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu, where Sinners is poised to make cinematic history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sinners about, and why are its 16 Oscar nominations significant?
Sinners is a horror-drama epic set in the 1930s Mississippi Delta, telling the story of twin brothers Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan) whose plans to open a juke joint are interrupted by a vampire incursion. The film serves as a “gory allegory” for the evils of the Jim Crow South, exploring themes of race, religion, and family. Its 16 Oscar nominations are historically significant because this shatters the previous record of 14 nominations, making Sinners the most nominated movie in Academy Awards history. This achievement is particularly notable for a horror film, a genre often overlooked by the Academy, and it underscores the film’s broad critical appeal and profound resonance with audiences.
Who else from Sinners received Oscar nominations alongside Michael B. Jordan?
Beyond Michael B. Jordan’s first individual nomination for his dual performance, Sinners garnered widespread recognition for its cast and crew. Director Ryan Coogler received nominations for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Picture. Co-stars Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo also earned their first personal Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor, respectively. Additionally, the film was nominated in numerous craft categories, including cinematography, costume design (earning Ruth E. Carter her record-setting fifth nomination), film editing, production design, and original score, contributing to its unprecedented 16 nominations for the 98th Academy Awards.
What impact does Sinners‘ record-breaking success have on the film industry and future Oscar races?
Sinners‘ record-breaking 16 Oscar nominations signal a significant shift in the film industry, particularly in the post-pandemic landscape. Its success demonstrates that original, genre-bending stories, especially horror, can achieve immense critical acclaim and box office performance, drawing audiences back to theaters. This validates studios like Warner Bros. for taking “big swings” on ambitious visions from filmmakers like Ryan Coogler. For future Oscar races, Sinners‘ achievement could encourage more diverse storytelling, including narratives that challenge traditional Academy preferences. The film’s widespread recognition also highlights the growing importance of ensemble casts and behind-the-scenes craft, underscored by its nomination in the inaugural “Best Casting” category.
Conclusion
The indelible mark left by Sinners on the 98th Academy Awards is already historic. Michael B. Jordan’s long-awaited personal nomination, coupled with the film’s record-shattering 16 nods, speaks volumes about the power of vision, collaboration, and compelling storytelling. It’s a triumphant moment not just for Jordan and Ryan Coogler, but for an industry striving to evolve and engage audiences with diverse, impactful cinema. As the anticipation builds for the March 15th ceremony, Sinners has already secured its place in cinematic lore, proving that a meticulously built “house” of quality filmmaking will indeed draw people in, inspiring reflection and celebration for years to come.
