'Sinners' Director Ryan Coogler Breaks Silence On 'Pretty Crazy' Record-Breaking Oscar Nominations

“Sinners” is still breaking records almost a year after it was initially released in theaters, but this time the film has set a new record for Hollywood’s biggest night.

The 2026 Oscar nominations were officially announced on Thursday, January 22, and the Ryan Coogler-directed film starring Michael B. Jordan in dual roles as twins led the way with more nods than any other film.

‘Sinners’ Breaks 10-Year Record With 2026 Oscar Nominations

According to Deadline, “Sinners” continues to be the darling of awards season, as the film just shattered the previous Oscar nominations record last set by the 2016 musical drama “La La Land.”

As the nominations were announced, “Sinners” was the film that was acknowledged the most with a record-breaking 16 nominations across multiple categories, including Best Actor, Best Picture, and Best Director. Coming in right behind “Sinners” was the Paul Thomas Anderson drama “One Battle After Another” with 14 nominations.

With the “Sinners” recognition, Michael B. Jordan has earned his first Oscar nomination. Two of his co-stars in the film were also recognized for their work, as Delroy Lindo (Best Supporting Actor) and Wunmi Mosaku (Best Supporting Actress) were nominated as well.

In addition to Ryan Coogler being up for Best Director, “Sinners” is also up for Best Original Screenplay, Best Music Score, Best Song, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Sound, Best Editing, Best Makeup & Hair, Best Casting, and finally Best Visual Effects.

Ryan Coogler Spoke About Breaking The Long-Standing Record After The Nominations Were Announced

Speaking with Deadline shortly after the news spread, Coogler told the outlet that the overwhelming recognition was unexpected and “pretty crazy.”

“I did not have any expectations when it came to the recognition of what they [the team] did,” he said. “For me, people just showing up to the movies and having a good time, that would’ve been enough. That is worth all the effort. But that people would consider the craft and the achievements that went into it individually. It’s so rewarding.”

The director, who has worked with Michael B. Jordan multiple times since their first collaboration making “Fruitvale Station,” also shared his happiness for the actor’s nomination.

“Obviously, the three of us have been working with Michael since 2012. So that’s a 14-year relationship. So to see him achieve this recognition by his peers, it’s just the best feeling to have. We just feel really, really, really happy that they said yes to the project, first of all, and happy for them,” Coogler said.

Michael B. Jordan Previously Shared The Process Behind Playing Dual Roles In The Film

In a December 2025 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Jordan opened up about playing Elijah “Smoke” Moore and Elias “Stack” Moore, known as the Smokestack twins, in the box-office smash “Sinners.” He admitted to the outlet that tackling the dual roles was “the hardest thing I’ve done.”

The star of the “Creed” franchise also noted the differences between the twins and how he adapted his acting for each character.

“The fact that they’re identical twins, it’s like leaning into two totally different personalities but being in the same body,” Jordan shared. “It’s kind of hard to pick a favorite because you need one to complete the other because they’re not really complete by themselves.”

“So Smoke, I’m partial to him in his journey throughout the movie of being a protector, wanting everybody to be safe, and being a provider in a real way,” the actor continued. “And then there’s the mischievous kind of dreamer that has Stack written all over it. That slick-talking charmer who kind of gets his way in and out of trouble.”

The “Black Panther” star also spoke about the possibility of a sequel, which fans were immediately begging for despite Coogler shutting down the idea when the film was initially released.

“We haven’t had those conversations, but it’s always great to hear from journalists and from fans what they want to see. It lets you know that we’ve created characters that people care about, and they want to see more of them,” Jordan said. “Maybe he’ll give you guys something.”

‘Sinners’ Was One Of The Highest-Grossing Films Of 2025

To date, “Sinners” has grossed $400 million globally and, as a result, broke a string of box office records along the way.

According to Screen Rant, the film became the highest-grossing R-rated film to debut during Easter weekend, earned the biggest opening weekend for an original R-rated horror movie since 2021, ranked in the ninth spot as the best opening weekend of all time for an R-rated horror movie, and the best opening weekend for an original movie in the 2020s.

The film’s financial success also proved that original movies can indeed still sell tickets, despite Hollywood’s current cycle of favoring franchises, sequels, and reboots.

Michael B. Jordan Is Currently Working On His Next Film

The new first-time Oscar nominee steps back behind the camera for the second time, following 2023’s “Creed III” to direct the upcoming remake of the classic romantic heist film “The Thomas Crown Affair.”

“It’s a big movie. It’s international. It’s sexy. It’s a lot of fun. A lot of twists and turns. It’s going to have some things that I think audiences won’t be expecting that might be a nice treat for them,” Jordan said of the film, per The Hollywood Reporter.