Ryan Coogler’s latest feature, Sinners, is already being celebrated as a groundbreaking force in cinema, and now it is emerging as a leading contender at this year’s Academy Awards. Variety has recognized the blockbuster film as one of the top films to watch as Oscar season heats up, and insiders at Warner Bros. are gearing up to push the campaign to the highest level.
Since its April release, Sinners has grossed more than $ 360 million at the global box office, earning widespread critical acclaim. Variety described the film as a “cultural juggernaut” and praised its ability to defy genre expectations while resonating profoundly with both critics and audiences. The outlet stated, “More than proving itself to be a cultural and box office juggernaut, Sinners redefines what we have assumed an Oscar movie can be, and it can be a genre-blending prestige blockbuster. This is an across-the-board awards contender that will have plenty of passion to go around. With a majority Black cast, meticulous period detail, and bold narrative choices, it feels like the current frontrunner for the Academy’s top prize.”
Industry buzz is now pointing to likely nominations in several major categories, including Best Picture, Best Director for Coogler, and Best Original Screenplay. Michael B. Jordan’s transformative dual role as twins Smoke and Stack is generating serious conversation around the Best Actor nod. His co-stars Hailee Steinfeld, Delroy Lindo, Wunmi Mosaku, and rising talent Miles Caton are also being discussed as possible nominees for their standout performances.
While the film’s success has sparked fan hopes for a follow-up, Coogler has made it clear that Sinners was crafted as a one-and-done cinematic experience. In a recent conversation with Ebony, he shared his thoughts on stepping away from franchise-driven storytelling. “I’ve been in a space of making franchise films for a bit, so I wanted to get away from that. I was looking forward to working on a film that felt original and personal to me, and had an appetite for delivering something to audiences that was original and unique.”
He went on to explain his artistic approach by saying, “I wanted the movie to feel like a full meal your appetizers, starters, entrees, and desserts I wanted all of it there. I wanted it to be a holistic and finished thing. That was how I was asked all about it. That was always my intention.”