‘Sinners’ Named A Top Oscar Contender

Ryan Coogler‘s Sinners has been named one of the top Oscar contenders by Variety.

Since debuting in April, the cinematic masterpiece has grossed over $360 million at the box office globally and is a critically acclaimed success. The outlet described the film as a “cultural juggernaut” and a “genre-defying original that has struck a passionate chord with critics and audiences alike.”

Sources familiar with Warner Bros.’ campaign told Variety that the studio plans to go “all-in.” The outlet also expressed, “More than proving itself to be a cultural and box office juggernaut, ‘Sinners’ redefines what we have assumed an ‘Oscar movie‘ can be; and it can be a genre-blending prestige blockbuster. This is an across-the-board awards contender that will have plenty of passion to go around. With a majority-Black cast, meticulous period detail, and bold narrative choices, it feels like the current frontrunner for the Academy’s top prize.”

Variety anticipates the film will be nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. Not to mention, Michael B. Jordan‘s brilliant dual performance as twins Smoke and Stack could be put him in the running for Best Actor along with mark potential nods for his castmates, Hailee Steinfeld, Delroy Lindo, Wunmi Mosaku, and Miles Caton.

Unfortunately, for fans, Coogler has already confirmed that a Sinners sequel isn’t in the works. In a sit-down with Ebony, he explained, “I’ve been in a space of making franchise films for a bit, so I wanted to get away from that. I was looking forward to working on a film that felt original and personal to me, and had an appetite for delivering something to audiences that was original and unique.” 

Coogler continued, “I wanted the movie to feel like a full meal: your appetizers, starters, entrees, and desserts, I wanted all of it there. I wanted it to be a holistic and finished thing. That was how I was asked all about it. That was always my intention.”