Ryan Coogler on ‘Sinners’ Making Oscar History—Especially for Horror Movies

The Academy Awards has always favored dramas, followed very distantly by comedies. Genre titles don’t often break through, especially horror. There are a few big exceptions (Get Out, Misery, The Silence of the Lambs), but the 2026 ceremony looks to have the largest horror presence in recent memory, thanks to Sinners‘ record-breaking 16 nominations.

Speaking to Deadline, Sinners director Ryan Coogler said the incredible achievement hadn’t really sunk in yet. That’s understandable since you have to take a very deep breath before trying to recite all the categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Michael B. Jordan, who played a dual role in the film), Best Supporting Actress (Wunmi Mosaku), Best Supporting Actor (Delroy Lindo), Original Screenplay, Casting, Production Design, Cinematography, Costume Design, Editing, Makeup and Hairstyling, Sound, Visual Effects, Original Score, and Original Song (“I Lied to Youâ€).

Coogler also admitted he hasn’t had the chance yet to ponder what Sinners‘ nomination avalanche means for horror—but he’s proud that his vampire film has gotten so much recognition despite it not being typical awards-season fare. “I haven’t had a chance to think about it on the genre thought, but as far as pride in what we made and how we made it, I was so thankful that everybody said yes to this movie,†he told Deadline.

“My partners included, because I knew that the movie on the surface could be read as very strange. And I say that in the best of ways, because I also really love strange movies,†he said. “Those are the movies that I always admired. And I always admired the bravery of artists that were able to make movies that were kind of undefinable when it came to genre, and scary movies, and movies that went there in any particular way.â€

Coogler is only the second Black filmmaker to get nods for producing, directing, and original screenplay in the same year, according to Variety—following in the footsteps of another horror groundbreaker in Jordan Peele. Coogler is the seventh Black director to be nominated for an Oscar in that category, though none have yet taken home the statuette.

We’ll be rooting for Sinners, Coogler, and the whole idea of strange and undefinable movies finally getting the recognition they deserve when the Oscars take place March 15.

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