‘Sinners’ Makes Oscars History With Record 16 Nominations, Redefining Awards Season

Hollywood witnessed a historic moment as Sinners shattered an all-time Oscars record by earning 16 Academy Award nominations, the highest ever for a single film.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the nominations on Thursday morning in Los Angeles, instantly making Sinners the most talked-about film of this awards season.

The previous record stood at 14 nominations, shared for decades by classics such as Titanic, All About Eve, and La La Land. Sinners didn’t just match history — it rewrote it.

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Why ‘Sinners’ Stood Out With Academy Voters

Directed by Ryan Coogler, Sinners is a bold vampire period drama set in the segregated American South during the 1930s. The film blends supernatural horror with racial injustice, music, and emotional depth.

Critics and audiences praised the movie for taking creative risks while telling a deeply human story. That balance seems to have resonated strongly with Academy voters.

The film secured nominations across almost every major category, including Best Picture, screenplay, original score, production design, and cinematography.

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Michael B. Jordan Earns Major Acting Recognition

One of the film’s most celebrated elements is Michael B. Jordan’s dual performance, where he plays twin brothers facing both racist violence and dark supernatural forces.

His work earned him a Best Actor nomination, placing him among the strongest contenders of the year.

Film analysts note that Jordan’s performance required emotional range, physical transformation, and psychological depth — qualities the Academy often rewards.

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New Oscars Category Gives ‘Sinners’ Another Win

Sinners also made history by earning a nomination for Best Casting, a category introduced this year.

This marks the first new Oscars category added in more than 20 years, highlighting the Academy’s effort to modernize and recognize behind-the-scenes creative work.

Industry insiders say the film’s carefully chosen ensemble cast played a key role in its emotional impact.

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Other Top Nominees: Close Competition Ahead

Coming in second this year is “One Battle After Another,” which earned 13 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson, and Best Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio.

However, the film’s rising female lead, 25-year-old Chase Infiniti, was notably absent from the acting nominations — a decision that surprised many fans and critics online.

Both top contenders were released by Warner Bros, a studio currently making headlines due to reported interest from major streaming giants.

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Strong Showing From International and Arthouse Films

Several global and arthouse productions also performed well this year.

Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, Timothée Chalamet’s sports drama Marty Supreme, and Norwegian favorite Sentimental Value each earned nine nominations.

The emotional period drama Hamnet received eight nods, including a Best Actress nomination for Jessie Buckley, though its male lead Paul Mescal missed out.

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Acting Races Heat Up Ahead of Oscars Night

The Best Actor race now includes Michael B. Jordan, Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Ethan Hawke, and Wagner Moura.

For Best Actress, nominees include Jessie Buckley, Emma Stone, Renate Reinsve, Kate Hudson, and Rose Byrne — setting up one of the most diverse acting lineups in recent years.

Public reactions online suggest this category may be the most unpredictable.

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International Influence Grows Within the Academy

As the Academy’s international voter base continues to expand, foreign-language films are gaining stronger recognition.

Both Sentimental Value and Brazilian thriller The Secret Agent earned Best Picture nominations, reflecting shifting voting patterns.

Meanwhile, Persian-language Palme d’Or winner It Was Just An Accident will compete in the Best International Feature category instead.

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Surprising Snubs Spark Online Debate

Despite strong fan support, pop star Ariana Grande did not receive a supporting actress nomination for Wicked: For Good, which walked away empty-handed.

The omission quickly became a trending topic, with fans expressing disappointment across social platforms.

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Academy President Warns About AI in Film

During the announcement, newly appointed Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor addressed the growing role of artificial intelligence in cinema.

She emphasized that while technology can enhance storytelling, the heart of filmmaking must remain human — a message that strongly aligns with Sinners’ creative success.

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All Eyes on Oscars Night

The 98th Academy Awards will take place on March 15, where Sinners will attempt to turn record nominations into record wins.

Whether or not it dominates the night, the film has already secured its place in Oscar history.