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Oscars 2026: ‘Sinners’ director Ryan Coogler could break a 97-year record
Filmmaker Ryan Coogler is nominated for Best Director for his work on film 'Sinners'
The Academy Awards 2026 ceremony is just hours away, and one nomination is drawing particular attention across the film industry.
Filmmaker Ryan Coogler is nominated for Best Director for his work on the film Sinners.
If he wins, he would become the first Black filmmaker to receive the award in the history of the Oscars.
Despite nearly a century of ceremonies, no Black director has ever won the category.
Over the years, several prominent filmmakers have been nominated, including John Singleton, Lee Daniels, Steve McQueen, Barry Jenkins, Jordan Peele and Spike Lee.
Singleton was notably the first Black nominee in the category and also the youngest at age 24.
Coogler faces strong competition from several other acclaimed directors this year. The nominees include Chloé Zhao for Hamnet, Joachim Trier for Sentimental Value, Paul Thomas Anderson for One Battle After Another and Josh Safdie for Marty Supreme.
Sinners has already made headlines after becoming the most nominated film at this year’s Oscars.
The movie stars Michael B. Jordan in dual roles alongside Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller and Delroy Lindo.
Set in 1932 Mississippi, the film follows twin brothers who return home to open a juke joint for their community, only to encounter a dark supernatural threat.
The film has also received recognition at major awards including the Golden Globe Awards and the Critics' Choice Awards, strengthening its momentum ahead of the Oscars.