The 98th Academy Awards are shaping up to be one for the history books, thanks to a record-shattering performance by the film Sinners. Announced on January 22, 2026, the nominations list sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond, as Sinners claimed a staggering 16 Oscar nods—more than any film in the nearly century-long history of the Oscars, according to the official Oscars website and reporting by RRI.CO.ID.
This achievement not only eclipses the previous record of 14 nominations, held jointly by cinematic giants All About Eve (1950), Titanic (1997), and La La Land (2016), but also signals a changing tide in the kinds of films recognized at the industry’s highest level. The Academy’s enthusiasm for Sinners is unmistakable, as the film has been nominated in nearly every major category, including Best Picture, Best Director, and a suite of acting awards.
Directed by Ryan Coogler, Sinners is set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow era in the United States. It weaves together supernatural elements and a powerful social narrative, a combination that has clearly resonated with the Academy’s diverse voting branches. The film’s ability to blend genre, history, and emotional drama has not only captured the attention of critics and audiences but also earned it recognition from nearly every corner of the Oscar ballot.
The full list of Sinners’ nominations reads like a roll call of the Oscars’ most coveted honors. Michael B. Jordan is up for Actor in a Leading Role, while Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku have secured nominations for Actor in a Supporting Role and Actress in a Supporting Role, respectively. Francine Maisler is recognized for Casting, Autumn Durald Arkapaw for Cinematography, and Ruth E. Carter for Costume Design. Ryan Coogler himself is in the running for Directing, with Michael P. Shawver nominated for Film Editing. The trio of Ken Diaz, Mike Fontaine, and Shunika Terry are contenders for Makeup and Hairstyling. The film also boasts nominations for Music (Original Score), Music (Original Song), Best Picture, Production Design, Sound, Visual Effects, and Writing (Original Screenplay) (as reported by the official Oscars website and RRI.CO.ID).
What’s remarkable is not just the breadth of these nominations but their significance. Sinners is the first film ever to receive 16 Oscar nominations, a feat that places it in a league of its own. According to RRI.CO.ID, this dominance is a testament to the Academy’s growing appreciation for films that challenge traditional genre boundaries and tackle weighty social issues, all while delivering compelling storytelling.
But Sinners isn’t the only film making waves this Oscar season. One Battle After Another has emerged as a formidable contender, racking up 13 nominations. Meanwhile, Frankenstein, Marty Supreme, and Sentimental Value each garnered nine nominations, with Hamnet following closely at eight. Other notable nominees include Train Dreams, F1, The Secret Agent, and Bugonia, each with four nominations to their name (according to the official Oscars website).
The 2026 Oscars are also a stage for historic firsts. Wagner Moura has become the first Brazilian ever nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role, a milestone that has been hailed by international film communities and is likely to inspire a new generation of talent. Meanwhile, Timothée Chalamet has matched a rare feat: he is now the youngest actor since Marlon Brando to receive three nominations simultaneously at the age of 30, a testament to his enduring appeal and versatility as an actor.
The anticipation for Oscar night is building rapidly. The ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2026, and will take place at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, as well as the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, according to both the official Oscars website and RRI.CO.ID. With such a crowded and competitive field, industry insiders and fans alike are bracing for a night of surprises and possibly some upsets.
As for the broader context, the Oscars have long been considered the gold standard for cinematic achievement. However, the definition of what makes a film "Oscar-worthy" has evolved over the years. While box office performance and traditional prestige dramas once dominated the conversation, recent years have seen the Academy embrace a more eclectic mix of genres, themes, and voices. The success of Sinners—a film that fuses supernatural storytelling with the harsh realities of America’s past—may well signal a new era for the Oscars, one in which bold, innovative filmmaking is rewarded at the highest level.
The competition for the top prizes is expected to be fierce. According to RRI.CO.ID, the race is particularly heated in the major categories, with several films boasting multiple nominations across acting, directing, and technical fields. This year’s ceremony promises not only to celebrate the achievements of the past year in film but also to reflect the changing tastes and priorities of the Academy’s diverse membership.
Of course, with high stakes come high emotions. Fans of the nominated films are already debating the merits of their favorites, while industry analysts are poring over the nomination lists for clues about possible winners. Will Sinners convert its record-setting nominations into a sweep on Oscar night? Or will the Academy spread the wealth among several deserving films? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the 2026 Oscars will be a night to remember.
As the countdown to March 15 continues, the spotlight remains firmly on Sinners and its remarkable achievement. Whether it ultimately dominates the ceremony or faces stiff competition from its peers, its place in Oscar history is already assured.