In an awards season that has pushed diversity and representation further into the spotlight, Sinners and One Battle After Another have emerged as the leading films in the 98th Academy Awards nominations, a rare moment of recognition for movies anchored by Black talent in an industry where films with African-American leads have too often been overlooked.
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, a blues-infused vampire drama rooted in the Jim Crow-era American South, shattered Academy history by earning a record 16 Oscar nominations — more than any film in Oscars history. One Battle After Another, a revolutionary-tinged thriller from Paul Thomas Anderson, followed closely with 13 nominations, placing both films at the forefront of Hollywood’s biggest night.
The nominations include top categories such as Best Picture and Best Director, with Sinners earning a Best Actor nod for Michael B. Jordan and One Battle After Another landing multiple acting nominations, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Teyana Taylor. Additionally, costume designer Ruth E. Carter’s nomination for Sinners makes her the most-nominated Black woman in Oscar history.
The strong showing by these films reflects a broader, if still incomplete, shift in Hollywood toward embracing stories led by Black actors and creatives. Historically, films with predominantly African-American casts, despite being critically acclaimed, have struggled to secure mainstream awards recognition. This year’s nominations, with Sinners and One Battle After Another leading the pack, signal progress in how the Academy evaluates and elevates diverse voices.
For Sinners, the nominations represent a milestone not just for its record tally but for the visibility the film brings to Black cultural history through genre storytelling. One Battle After Another, while not centered exclusively on Black protagonists, includes key performances and creative contributions from African-American artists and resonates with contemporary themes of resistance and social upheaval.
While both films have drawn widespread acclaim, they diverge in tone and genre. Sinners blends supernatural elements with historical allegory, using the horror genre to explore racial trauma and resilience. Its narrative and soundtrack are deeply anchored in Black cultural expression, making it a standout for both thematic depth and stylistic ambition.
One Battle After Another, by contrast, is a sprawling, high-stakes thriller with a broader ensemble cast that includes seasoned stars and rising talents. Its narrative focuses on familial bonds and systemic conflict, drawing critical praise for its direction, performances and technical achievements.
Both films are considered strong contenders. Sinners’ record-breaking nominations boost its profile, and industry observers note that its chances are highest in categories such as costume design, music, and possibly screenplay or casting. One Battle After Another has been a consistent favorite in critics’ awards and could carry that momentum into wins for directing or acting.
A win by either film in a major category such as Best Picture or Best Director would be historic. It would mark one of the few times the Academy has bestowed its top honor on films so centered on Black experiences and contributions, potentially reshaping industry expectations about which stories are deemed “Oscar-worthy.” Such a breakthrough would also underscore the growing influence of Black artists in defining the contemporary cinematic landscape.
Whatever the outcome in March, the prominence of Sinners and One Battle After Another in this year’s awards reflects a shift in Hollywood’s cultural narrative. Their success points to an industry gradually opening its doors to a wider array of voices and perspectives — a change many filmmakers and audiences have long advocated for.
The 98th Academy Awards will air live on March 15, hosted by Conan O’Brien on ABC and streaming on Hulu.