Once again, Black excellence shines as Ryan Coogler’s extraordinary run with the award-winning film Sinners reaches its peak at the Oscars. On Monday midnight, March 16th, 2026, Sinners made history at the 98th Academy Awards to clinch four out of its record-breaking 16 nominations.

In what has been described as the one of the most historic moments in the Academy Awards, the film took home four major awards: Best Actor to Michael B. Jordan (for playing twin brothers Smoke and Stack), Best Original Screenplay to Ryan Coogler, Best Original Score to Ludwig Göransson, and Best Cinematography to Autumn Durald Arkapaw.

The film’s stunning success is evident in its grossing over $370 million worldwide and in multiple awards, including British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA), Writers Guild of America (WGA), Golden Globes, NAACP, Grammys, and now the Oscars, where it has left indelible marks in Hollywood.

One of the most pivotal moments occurred when Michael B. Jordan was announced as Best Actor (for playing twin brothers Smoke and Stack), displacing Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme), Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), and Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent).

The award was more than just an euphoric moment; it was a historical one, making Jordan the sixth Black actor to win Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Oscars.  He joins the likes of actors Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker and Will Smith.

“I stand here because of the people who came before me. To be amongst those giants, amongst those greats, amongst my ancestors,” Jordan said, acknowledging the Black Oscar winners who came before him.

The actor also thanked his family and cast while acknowledging Ryan Coogler as a collaborator and friend, and his ingenious artistry in writing and directing the film.

Michael B. Jordan’s acceptance speech after winning Oscar in the Best Actor category for “Sinners” 🏆 #Oscars2026

pic.twitter.com/pMjQoVr1hQ

— BOUNCE (@bouncenetworks) March 16, 2026

“I’m so honoured to call you a collaborator and a friend, and you gave me the opportunity and space for me to be seen, and I love you, too, bro, love you to death,” Jordan said to Coogler at the Dolby Theatre. The award-winning film marks the duo’s fifth collaboration and their first time as Oscar winners since Coogler’s debut, Fruitvale Station.

The writer-director also made history as the second black filmmaker, after Jordan Peele, to win the Best Original Screenplay award. This award follows multiple wins for Best Original Screenplay at the Critics’ Choice Awards, the Golden Globes, the BAFTAs, and the WGA Awards.

Ryan Coogler accepting his Oscar for “SINNERS” for Best Original Screenplay at the Oscarspic.twitter.com/pJARkgLgQx

— BOUNCE (@bouncenetworks) March 16, 2026

While the Black horror thriller lost in major categories, including Best Picture to One Battle After Another, its triumphant win for Best Cinematography and Best Original Score wasn’t unnoticed. In its record-breaking run, the film made Autumn Durald Arkapaw the first woman and woman of colour ever to win the category for Best Cinematography. At the same time, the co-executive producer, composer and third-time Oscar winner Ludwig Göransson was awarded for Best Original Score.

Sinners’ historic wins at the 2026 Oscars have received massive acclaim, projecting the excellence of Black storytelling, filmmaking, and culture in a way Hollywood rarely rewards. And with the myriad of accolades associated with its name, the film continues to highlight a movement of Black voices making global impacts.

Full List of Major Categories

Best Picture: One Battle After Another

Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson — One Battle After Another

Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan — Sinners

Best Actress: Emma Stone — Kinds of Kindness

Supporting Acting

Best Supporting Actor: Robert Downey Jr. — The Sympathizer

Best Supporting Actress: Danielle Brooks — The Color Purple

Writing

Best Original Screenplay: Ryan Coogler — Sinners

Best Adapted Screenplay: Cord Jefferson — American Fiction

Technical & Craft Categories

Best Cinematography: Autumn Durald Arkapaw — Sinners

Best Original Score: Ludwig Göransson — Sinners

Best Film Editing: One Battle After Another

Best Production Design: Dune: Part Two

Best Visual Effects: Dune: Part Two

Animation & International

Best Animated Feature: Inside Out 2

Best International Feature Film: The Zone of Interest (United Kingdom)