Ryan Coogler’s vampire thriller Sinners has officially made Academy Awards history after earning a record-breaking 16 Oscar nominations, the highest number ever received by a single film, according to Guinness World Records.
The 2025 release shattered a decades-long record previously held by All About Eve (1950), Titanic (1997), and La La Land (2016), each of which earned 14 nominations. The achievement marks an unprecedented moment for the Academy and cements Sinners as one of the most celebrated films in Oscar history.
Sinners received nominations across major categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, acting performances, cinematography, and several technical awards. Critics and audiences alike have praised the film for its daring narrative, striking visuals, and powerful performances.
The film stars Michael B. Jordan, Wunmi Mosaku, Delroy Lindo, and Miles Canton, whose performances played a key role in the movie’s dominance during nominations season.
Set in Jim Crow-era Mississippi, Sinners follows twin brothers, Smoke and Stack, who return home to open a juke joint meant to serve their community. Their dream is soon threatened when a sinister supernatural force begins terrorizing the club. To survive, they must draw strength from their music, culture, and shared history to confront the growing evil.
Reacting to the historic achievement, Michael B. Jordan described the moment as overwhelming.
“For all of these pieces to be singled out and acknowledged and honoured with the nomination, it’s something that’s really hard to put into words right now,” he said.
As the Academy Awards ceremony approaches, anticipation continues to build over whether Sinners will convert its record-setting nominations into wins. Industry observers say the film’s success signals a shift in how bold storytelling and genre films are embraced by the Academy.
