Bay Area Talent Shines at 98th Oscars

Multiple Bay Area natives and residents receive major Oscar nominations, reflecting the region's growing influence in film.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:39pm by Ben Kaplan

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As the 98th Academy Awards approach, the Bay Area's influence on the film industry is being widely recognized. Several Bay Area natives and residents, including Alicia Silverstone, Ryan Coogler, Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Raphael Saadiq, and Delroy Lindo, have received major Oscar nominations this year, highlighting the region's growing prominence in the entertainment world.

Why it matters

The Bay Area's strong representation at the Oscars showcases the region's thriving creative community and its ability to produce top-tier talent across various filmmaking disciplines. This recognition not only celebrates the individuals but also underscores the Bay Area's status as a hub for artistic and cinematic excellence.

The details

The dark comedy film "Bugonia" featuring Bay Area native Alicia Silverstone received four Oscar nominations. The critically acclaimed film "Sinners" received a record 16 nominations, including nods for Best Director for Oakland native Ryan Coogler, Best Cinematography for Autumn Durald Arkapaw (who grew up in San Leandro and Danville), Best Original Song for music by Oakland native Raphael Saadiq, and Best Supporting Actor for Oakland resident Delroy Lindo.

  • The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026.
  • Coogler recently won a BAFTA Award for Original Screenplay for "Sinners" just last month.

The players

Alicia Silverstone

A Bay Area native who starred in the Oscar-nominated film "Bugonia".

Ryan Coogler

An Oakland native and the director of the Oscar-nominated film "Sinners".

Autumn Durald Arkapaw

A cinematographer who grew up in San Leandro and Danville and is nominated for Best Cinematography for "Sinners".

Raphael Saadiq

An Oakland native whose music is nominated for Best Original Song for "Sinners".

Delroy Lindo

An Oakland resident who is nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Sinners".

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What they’re saying

“I come from a community that loves me, that spoke a lot of power into me, a lot of pride into me. I love them back. They made me believe that I could do this. That I could be a writer.”

— Ryan Coogler, Director of "Sinners" (BAFTA Awards)

“I got to see 'Sinners' here, when it first came out. When Ryan Coogler came back to show it. So, it's just crazy that my movie now is being played here.”

— Steph Curry (ABC7 Eyewitness News)

What’s next

The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026, where the winners of the various categories will be announced.

The takeaway

The Bay Area's strong representation at the Oscars this year is a testament to the region's thriving creative community and its ability to produce top-tier talent across various filmmaking disciplines. This recognition not only celebrates the individuals but also underscores the Bay Area's status as a hub for artistic and cinematic excellence.