The “Oscars So White” movement reached a viral fever pitch in 2015, calling attention to the Academy Awards’ lack of diversity in nominations. Eleven years later, the 2026 ceremony boasted 16 nominations for one celebrated film: “Sinners.” While the vampire horror film was celebrated as the most-nominated film of all time, and all eyes are on Teyana Taylor for “One Battle After Another” – not to mention documentaries like “The Perfect Neighbor” and “The Devil Is Busy,” the night shaped up to be a cultural checkpoint for Black history.
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However, it quickly became evident that snubs would reshape what many hoped would be a historic sweep, and we could not ignore the cringe. We’re talking front-row A-lister awkward laughter for Conan O’Brien’s “Aunt Gladys” bit, the “Intrusive” YouTube ad featuring Jane Lynch wielding a tactical flashlight, and Timothée Chalamet referring to opera and ballet as “endangered.” There were other odd moments, too, like the appearance from Bill Pullman and Lewis Pullman that left many straight-faced, void of laughter. Perhaps it was all an annoying hint that while Sinners didn’t sweep the night, it still dominated the conversation and scored some big wins.
Here’s how things went.
Win: Best Original Screenplay
We have to acknowledge that Ryan Coogler added another historic moment to his career by winning Best Original Screenplay for “Sinners.” With 16 nominations tied to the film, Cooger won one of the most anticipated categories.
Snub: Best Supporting Actress
This year, two first-ever Oscar nominees were in the running for Best Supporting Actress — Teyana Taylor (“One Battle After Another”) and Wunmi Mosaku (“Sinners”). Nominated for her portrayal of revolutionary leader Perfidia, Taylor was the frontrunner, but Mosaku’s characterization of Annie, a Hoodoo practitioner who was also Smoke’s lover, garnered notable attention. Both lost to “Weapons” Star Amy Madigan, who took to the stage with a sweet, somewhat bumbling disbelief.
Moment: ‘Sinners’ Onstage Performance
“Sinners” took the iconic juke joint dance scene to the stage with a flawless performance of “I Lied to You,” featuring two of the songwriters, Raphael Saadiq and Miles Caton, who played “Sammy.” In case you missed it, the ensemble of musicians and dancers included legendary Blues singers Bobby Rush and Buddy Guy, ballerina Misty Copeland and singer-songwriter Shaboozey.
Snub: Best Director
Ryan Coogler would have history as the first Black person to win Best Director. The seventh Black man to be nominated for the category, Cooger lost toPaul Thomas Anderson for “One Battle After Another.”
Snub: Best Supporting Actor
Ultimately, the delay turned into a denial for Delroy Lindo, who lost Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Delta Slim. The 73-year-old has 40 films to his credit, but the award went to Sean Penn for “One Battle After Another”… and Penn wasn’t even there.
Snub: Best Costume Design
Ruth E. Carter is the most-nominated Black woman in Oscar history across all categories. Tonight, she could have become a triple-Oscar winner for “Sinners,” but lost in the “Best Costume Design” category to “Frankenstein.”
Snub: Best Picture
Ryan Coogler and his wife Zinzi Coogler share producing credits with Sevak “Sev” Ohaniah for “Sinners.” The win could have been a household victory for the Coogler, but instead it went to “Bugonia,” directed by Yorgos Lanthimos.
Win: Best Cinematography
Autumn Durald Arkapaw was the first woman of color to be nominated and the fourth woman ever nominated in this category. In her acceptance speech, she thanked Coogler, her husband, and her adorable son, who charmed the crowd. She also took a moment to acknowledge every woman in the room in a heartfelt nod to sisterhood.
Win: Best Original Score
Win: Best Actor
The Academy got it right, honoring Michael B. Jordan for his dual performance as “Smoke” and “Stack” in Sinners, becoming the sixth Black man in history to win an Oscar for best actor. In a heartfelt speech, Jordan thanked everyone — from his parents and siblings to director Ryan Coogler, whom he acknowledged as a brother — as well as the audiences who showed up to support the film in theaters. In a classy move, he also honored every Black actor who accepted the award before him, drawing a standing ovation from the crowd … and many at home in their living rooms.
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