Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners' Earns Record-Breaking Oscars Nominations

Despite losing 12 of its 16 nominations, the film's director and collaborators found deeper meaning in the awards season

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:43pm

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While the film 'Sinners' set a new record for most Oscar nominations without a Best Picture win, director Ryan Coogler and his team saw the awards season as an opportunity to celebrate their craft, support one another, and advocate for a more equitable Hollywood system. Coogler, who declined to join the Academy a decade ago, used his platform to uplift his collaborators, especially cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, who became the first female DP to win an Oscar.

Why it matters

The Oscars often highlight the competitive and ego-driven nature of the film industry, but Coogler and the 'Sinners' team used the moment to model a different approach - one focused on gratitude, community, and a deeper commitment to the art of filmmaking over individual accolades. Their example suggests a path forward for an industry grappling with issues of representation, labor rights, and the balance between commercial success and creative expression.

The details

Though 'Sinners' set a new record for most Oscar nominations without a Best Picture win, losing 12 of its 16 nods, the film's director Ryan Coogler and his collaborators approached the awards season with a spirit of generosity. Coogler, who had previously declined to join the Academy, used his platform to uplift his crew, especially cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, who became the first female director of photography to win an Oscar. Coogler also highlighted the importance of labor unions and taking care of each other's families in the industry. The film's composer, Ludwig Göransson, traced his own creative journey back to his father's purchase of a John Lee Hooker album, underscoring the catalytic power of music and the intergenerational ties that bind the artistic community.

  • The 2026 Academy Awards ceremony took place on March 16, 2026.

The players

Ryan Coogler

The director of 'Sinners' who has advocated for a more equitable and community-oriented film industry.

Autumn Durald Arkapaw

The cinematographer of 'Sinners' who became the first female director of photography to win an Oscar.

Ludwig Göransson

The composer of 'Sinners' who traced his creative journey back to his father's purchase of a John Lee Hooker album.

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What they’re saying

“If I'm going to be a part of organizations, they're going to be labor unions, where we're figuring out how to take care of each other's families.”

— Ryan Coogler, Director of 'Sinners' (The Hollywood Reporter)

“My father's purchase of a John Lee Hooker album in Sweden inspired me to pick up a guitar and eventually led to my longtime collaboration with Ryan Coogler.”

— Ludwig Göransson, Composer of 'Sinners' (Oscars Acceptance Speech)

What’s next

Coogler and the 'Sinners' team will continue to advocate for a more equitable and collaborative film industry, using their platform and influence to support emerging talent and champion labor rights.

The takeaway

The 'Sinners' team's approach to the Oscars, marked by gratitude, community, and a deeper commitment to the art of filmmaking, serves as a model for an industry that often prioritizes individual accolades and competition over collective growth and well-being.