'Sinners', Academy Sets Record with 16 Nominations

Michael B. Jordan and director Ryan Coogler reunite for the horror film 'Sinners', which has made history at the Academy Awards. It has received a record-breaking 16 nominations, surpassing the legendary films 'Titanic' and 'La La Land'.

On the 23rd (Korean time), the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced the full list of nominees for the 98th Academy Awards. The biggest shock was the dominance of the supernatural horror thriller 'Sinners', set in 1930s Mississippi.

◆ 'Sinners' Breaks the Oscar Barrier

'Sinners' has swept nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and technical categories, totaling 16 nominations. This is the highest number of nominations for a single film in the 98-year history of the Oscars. The lead actor, Michael B. Jordan, has been nominated for his first Academy Award for Best Actor for his chilling dual role as twin brothers 'Smoke' and 'Stack'. This is a bold choice from the Academy, which has traditionally been stingy with horror genres.

◆ Best Actor, Epic 'Death Match'

This year's competition for Best Actor is fiercer than ever. Leonardo DiCaprio's 'One Battle after Another' has also received 13 nominations, emerging as a strong competitor.

• Michael B. Jordan - 'Sinners'

• Leonardo DiCaprio - 'One Battle after Another'

• Timothée Chalamet - 'Marty Supreme'

• Ethan Hawke - 'Blue Moon'

The Best Picture category is expected to be a three-way battle between 'Sinners', Chloe Zhao's 'Hamnet', and 'One Battle after Another'. In contrast, the highly anticipated blockbusters 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' and 'Wicked: For Good' failed to secure nominations in multiple categories.

◆ Casting Directors Also Receive Oscars

Another highlight of this year's ceremony is the newly established 'Achievement in Casting' category. This will mark a historic moment as casting directors, the unsung heroes of films, will receive Oscar trophies for the first time.

Meanwhile, the 98th Academy Awards will be held on March 15, 2026 (local time), hosted by Conan O'Brien.