Sinners: Ryan Coogler on the Brink of Oscar History
LOS ANGELES — Ryan Coogler understands the weight of Sunday night and what it could mean for Oscar history. However, he’s choosing to focus on the present moment and the camaraderie he’s shared with his “Sinners” collaborators throughout this incredible journey.
Coogler stands on the precipice of becoming the first Black filmmaker to win Best Director in the Academy Awards’ nearly century-long history. Speaking ahead of the eighth annual Macro Pre-Oscars party in Los Angeles, he emphasized his commitment to staying grounded as the ceremony approaches.
“I’m just trying to enjoy the days as they come, stay present in the moment,” Coogler told The Associated Press. “When Sunday comes, I’m going to show up and enjoy celebrating all the movies being celebrated, including our own.”
A Family Forged Through Awards Season
For Coogler, the Oscars represent the culmination of a months-long experience shared with the cast and creative team behind “Sinners.” Since early January, the group has navigated the awards circuit together, making appearances at the Golden Globes, Actors Awards, and NAACP Image Awards as the film garnered significant momentum, ultimately becoming the leading nominee with 16 nominations.
This shared journey has transformed the production into something akin to a family. “We made a big ole family,” Coogler shared with a smile. “Sunday kind of represents the last time that we all get to hang with each other in an official capacity as the ‘Sinners’ team.”
The realization that future gatherings will be less frequent is bittersweet. “The next time we see each other, it won’t be for this movie unless it’s doing like a reunion or something,” Coogler said. “I’m looking forward to hanging out with a lot of people that I love. We were able to do something very specific together.”
Celebrating Representation and Achievement
The cast and creative team of “Sinners” were among those honored Thursday at the Macro party, a celebration of nominees of color across the film industry. Hosted by Macro founder and CEO Charles D. King and Chief Brand Officer Stacey Walker King, the event drew over 700 attendees, including Damson Idris, Coco Jones, and Janelle James.
“I could not be more excited about ‘Sinners’ nominations,” Stacey Walker King said. “I could not be more excited about the way that we’re showing up on these carpets and in these areas.”
Charles D. King highlighted Coogler’s already significant impact on the industry. “He’s already winning,” King stated. “To be able to be this filmmaker who can inspire and entertain the world and then be acknowledged by their peers within our artistic industry is icing on the cake.”
About ‘Sinners’
“Sinners,” a captivating supernatural drama set in the American South, masterfully blends historical storytelling, folklore, and genre filmmaking. Starring Michael B. Jordan in dual roles, the film continues the actor’s fruitful creative partnership with Coogler. The film’s unique approach to storytelling has resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Previous Black filmmakers nominated for Best Director at the Oscars include John Singleton, Lee Daniels, Barry Jenkins, Jordan Peele, and Spike Lee. Coogler’s potential win would be a landmark moment for representation in the industry.
Jonathan Landrum Jr., The Associated Press ©2026 BellMedia All Rights Reserved
