Ryan Coogler’s Sinners Redefines Oscar History for Black Storytelling
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners rewrites Oscar history with a record-breaking 16 nominations, proving that Black culture, folklore, and fearless storytelling aren’t just shaping Hollywood’s future, they’re leading it. We discuss it here!
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners Redefines Oscar History for Black Storytelling
By: Joshua Martin
As the Academy Awards continues to search for relevance in a fractured media era, one truth rang loud with the announcement of the 98th Oscar nominations. Black storytelling is not just surviving in Hollywood, it’s leading. Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, a 1930s set horror fantasia deeply rooted in Black culture, emerged as a dominant force, earning a record breaking 16 nominations, the most in Academy Awards history.
At a time when award show audiences are shrinking and studios are chasing spectacle over substance, Sinners stands as a bold reminder of what happens when Black creators are trusted to tell layered, culturally grounded stories. The film’s nominations span nearly every major category, including Best Picture, Director, Actor, Supporting Actress, Supporting Actor, Screenplay and Cinematography. A rare feat that underscores its impact.
“For me, Sinners was always about honoring the spiritual, cultural, and emotional legacy of Black folks — especially the stories that rarely get elevated to this scale. To see the Academy respond to that vision in this way is deeply affirming.”
Michael B. Jordan, who delivered a dual performance as twins Smoke and Stack, added that the film’s success reflects a broader hunger for authenticity.
“We weren’t trying to make something safe. We wanted it to be honest, unsettling, and rooted in our history. The response proves audiences are ready for Black stories that don’t compromise.”
Beyond Sinners, this year’s nominations reflect a wider embrace of socially conscious cinema, with films tackling racism and cultural resistance gaining traction. Still, Sinners stand apart. Not just for its box office success, with $368 million in ticket sales, but for centering Black folklore, spirituality and resistance within a genre space that has long excluded those voices.
As the Oscars prepare for their March 15th broadcast, one thing is clear. Black cinema isn’t asking for a seat at the table anymore. It’s building the table and reshaping the room.
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Ryan Coogler Set to Produce Universal Pictures' Prince Jukebox Musical
Ryan Coogler is set to produce a jukebox musical movie of Prince songs for Universal Pictures with a script from Bryan Edward Hill. We discuss it here!
Ryan Coogler and Zinzi Coogler pose on the red carpet of the 2023 Golden Globes.
Photo Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
By: Joshua Martin
Standout filmmaker Ryan Coogler tapped to produce Universal Pictures’ upcoming Prince musical filled with the late great artist's biggest hit songs. The movie marks the latest Prince-project announced in recent months, with a stage adaptation of the 1984 classic film Purple Rain expected to premiere next spring.
According to sources, the four time NAACP image award winner and Black Panther director has been attached to the project that has been in development since 2018. The upcoming musical is a film from Proximity Media with the script being penned by Bryan Edward Hill. Hill, who is most notably known for his work on various Marvel and DC comics, took to instagram to detail his involvement with the film.
Proximity Media’s Rebecca Cho has been linked to the project as executive producer, additional producers include Zinzi Coogler and the chair of Universal Music Publishing Group, Jody Gerson.
The soundtrack for the untitled film hasn’t been confirmed but Proximity will have exclusive access to “The Artist’s” vast musical catalog.
According to The Billboard Charts, “The Artist Formerly Known as Prince” finished his career with 47 entries on the Hot 100, 19 of which landed on the top 10. Some of which even garnered the coveted number 1 spot on the charts. These hit singles include “Let’s Go Crazy,” “When Doves Cry,” “Kiss” and a few other timeless records.
Prince performs onstage during the “HitnRun” tour at The Fox Theatre on April 9, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan.
Photo Cred: Lauren/Getty Images for NPG Records 2015
Unfortunately fans of “The Purple Rain” singer will have to patiently wait for more details. As key elements including the plot and cast remain firmly under wraps. “The Artist” also starred in the iconic 1984 musical bearing the same name, which also received the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Coogler is currently working on an untitled Warner Bros. film with frequent collaborator Michael B. Jordan, which is set to be released in the spring of 2025.
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Michael B. Jordan Receives A Star on the Hollywood Half of Fame
With Creed III set to release in just two days, Michael B. Jordan is set to have an iconic month of March with it kicking off by receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. We discuss it here!
Michael B. Jordan kneels in front of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
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By: Omar Cook
With Creed III set to release in just two days, Michael B. Jordan is set to have an iconic month of March with it kicking off by receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Wednesday. Jordan is making new strides with his directorial debut coming with Creed III. To star and direct in a major Hollywood film is a tall task, but Michael B. Jordan has shown that he can excel with the added weight on his shoulders.
Michael B. Jordan will reprise his role as Adonis Creed alongside Johnathan Majors, who plays Jordan’s rival in the movie. Majors was at the ceremony joined by Creed director Ryan Coogler as the both of them spoke on Jordan’s behalf.
"Michael, to me, represents a mythical character. I don't think it's an act of luck or an act of chance that so many people see him as Adonis [and] that he was cast as Adonis. He has taken this story and pushed it forward... I don't think that's a coincidence" Majors said.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 01: Michael B. Jordan (C) and family attend the Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star Ceremony honoring Michael B. Jordan on March 01, 2023 in Hollywood, California.
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It’s been an amazing journey for Jordan, first making his acting debut in a 1999 episode of The Sopranos and his first principal movie role in 2001 sports drama, Hardball.
Jordan spoke about the advice he would give to his younger self stating, "stay optimistic, stay faithful, stay true to yourself [and] always keep a full, kind heart. The universe will make your wildest dreams come true."
Jordan also reflected on his late friend, Chadwick Boseman, mentioning that he was looking down on them. Ryan Coogler shared his admiration. “It's been a ride of a lifetime...watching him blossom” Coogler said. “From Newark, New Jersey, bro, to walking in front of driving cars to having your name on this street, bro, God d**n!'“
Ryan Coogler & Jonathan Majors Talk Creed lll, Black Panther And Why Michael B. Jordan Is The Man
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Meet Joshua Martin, Senior Video Editor for 247 Live Culture!
Email: Joshua@247LCTV.com