The 98th Academy Awards are now behind us, yet they have left a lasting imprint on the history books. Although Sinners racked up a record-breaking 16 nominations at the 2026 ceremony, the film ultimately secured four wins: Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay, Ludwig Göransson earned Best Original Score, and Autumn Durald Arkapaw claimed Best Cinematography, marking her as the first woman of color to triumph in that category.
A thunderous ovation reverberated through the Dolby Theatre and throughout Hollywood when Michael B. Jordan’s name was announced as the winner for “Best Actor.” The star of Sinners becomes part of a slender club of Black actors who have claimed this honor, joining Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Will Smith, Sidney Poitier, and Forest Whitaker. In his acceptance speech, he acknowledged each of them with gratitude.
He expressed gratitude to his collaborator and friend Ryan Coogler, the director of Sinners, for offering him “an opportunity and space for me to be seen.” He added, “I love you too, bro.”
At the outset of his speech, he thanked God, and his mother, who has effectively served as his award-season companion on this journey, before extolling the members of his cast. He gave each of his co-stars their due credit, highlighting Wunmi Mosaku, Hailee Steinfeld, and Delroy Lindo, who was among the first to congratulate him after the victory.
He also lauded the audience for backing him along the way. “Everybody in this room and everybody at home for supporting my career. I know you guys want me to do well, and I want to deliver because you’ve placed your faith in me. So thank you for continuing to bet on me.”
Sinners Wins 4 out of 16 Awards
During his acceptance for Best Original Screenplay, Coogler directed his thanks toward his wife and the film’s producer Zinzi Coogler, as well as their children.
“Zinzi, you’re the best wife and mom in the world. Every day I get to spend with you is better than the one that came before,” Coogler proclaimed. “And to my parents who are here, thank you for all the memories. Thank you for making me believe in myself. And to my babies who are at home watching, I apologize for all the time away. Dad loves you. Memories are all we have. I hope I’ve given you some great ones.”
Congratulations to all of the winners!
