Oscars Predictions Favor 'Sinners' Horror Film

Critic says horror film by Black director Ryan Coogler is poised to dominate the Academy Awards.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 9:15pm

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The critic predicts that the horror film "Sinners" by director Ryan Coogler will be the big winner at the upcoming Oscars, with 16 nominations including Best Picture. The critic is particularly impressed by Coogler's original screenplay and believes he will make history as the first Black director to win Best Director. Other top predictions include Ethan Hawke for Best Actor, Jessie Buckley for Best Actress, and Delroy Lindo for Best Supporting Actor.

Why it matters

The Oscars have long been criticized for overlooking films and performances by people of color, so the strong showing for "Sinners" would mark a significant shift. The critic sees Coogler's potential Best Director win as a historic moment that could help pave the way for more diverse representation in Hollywood's highest honors.

The details

The critic praises the "Sinners" screenplay as "inspiring" and "fresh and original," saying the nuanced subtexts become more digestible by reading the script. They also highlight strong performances, including Teyana Taylor in "One Battle After Another" and Delroy Lindo, who the critic believes is overdue for Oscar recognition after being "snubbed" in the past.

  • The Oscar nominations were announced on January 22, 2026.
  • The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 2, 2026.

The players

Ryan Coogler

The director of the horror film "Sinners," which received 16 Oscar nominations.

Teyana Taylor

An actress nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "One Battle After Another."

Delroy Lindo

An actor nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Sinners," who the critic believes is overdue for Oscar recognition.

Paul Thomas Anderson

The director of "One Battle After Another," which received 13 Oscar nominations.

Jessie Buckley

An actress nominated for Best Actress for her role in "Hamnet."

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What they’re saying

“Ryan Coogler's vampire horror film was fantastic to watch, but I think I enjoyed reading the screenplay even more. Coogler's script was inspiring, especially as someone who wants to be a screenwriter. The narrative structure of the script was so fresh and original.”

— Stephanie Hughes, Critic (dailytarheel.com)

“Teyana Taylor was amazing to watch as Perfidia Beverly Hills, even though the role, in my opinion, was extremely racially charged. Taylor won a Golden Globe for her performance and is favored to win this award, but there could be a serious toss-up, as Amy Madigan ("Weapons") could be a potential upset.”

— Stephanie Hughes, Critic (dailytarheel.com)

“Delroy Lindo deserves it more. I can't count how many times Lindo has been snubbed by the academy ("Malcom X," "Da 5 Bloods" and "Crooklyn"), but I won't. It's going to him, and if it doesn't, then I'm rioting.”

— Stephanie Hughes, Critic (dailytarheel.com)

What’s next

The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 2, 2026, where the winners will be announced.

The takeaway

This year's Oscar nominations represent a significant shift in recognizing diverse talent, particularly with the strong showing for the horror film "Sinners" by Black director Ryan Coogler. If Coogler wins Best Director, it would be a historic moment that could open the door for more inclusive representation at the Oscars going forward.