Ryan Coogler’s ‘Sinners’ deserves every award

February is Black History Month. It’s always important to highlight movies, music, books and art that celebrate black culture and heritage. With the Academy Awards season also rapidly approaching, there is a standout film that sits at the intersection: Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners.”

“Sinners” received nominations for 16 Oscar awards this season, breaking the record previously held by “Titanic,” “La La Land” and “All About Eve.” This includes nominations for Best Picture, Best Sound, Best Visual Effects and various other awards for the cast and crew.

The film was released April 18, 2025, and it was met with immediate praise. It currently sits with a score of 97% on Rotten Tomatoes.

A unique amalgamation of musical, horror and romance, “Sinners” explores worldly topics and transports the audience to a different place. Not only does the film capture viewers with a gripping story, but it also holds immense cultural significance.

The movie tells the story of twins, Smoke and Stack, returning to their hometown to pursue a business venture. With their younger cousin Sammie, a local reverend’s son, they create a place to host a night of dancing, drinking and love. This place is a temporary escape for non-white people, as the prejudices of the Jim Crow-era South remain strongly present. However, danger arises when unwanted guests show up at the door.

My personal favorite scene in the movie is during their event, when everything is in full swing. Sammie brings out his guitar and begins to sing. Everybody floats around him, dancing and moving together. Suddenly, different figures start to appear: People from ancient Black cultures dancing and futuristic musicians playing their instruments. It’s almost as if Sammie’s music is summoning spirits from different cultures, past and future. They all dance together, joined by the music.

This scene has countless cultural references and speaks to the value music holds in communities. Specifically in the Black community, music is a way of communication. When spoken language is not enough, music conveys meaning.

There is other social commentary blatantly present in this film. When the “vampires” appear at the front door, it is not a coincidence they are the only white characters. Remmick and his companions are “culture vultures.” These people intend to pick off the other cultures or exploit them under the guise of assimilation and intercultural peace. When their request is denied, these people turn violent.

“Sinners” is rightfully nominated for countless awards. The film won the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Original Screenplay and a Golden Globe Award for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement.

Some were recently upset by the decided winner of the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Actor. This achievement was given to Timothee Chalamet for his leading role in “Marty Supreme,” despite people believing Michael B. Jordan is more deserving.

People are already starting to believe “Sinners” is being snubbed in the award season. Hopefully, the upcoming Academy Awards do not prove this sentiment to be true.

The film is running against “Marty Supreme” in almost every category, as well as other blockbuster movies of 2025 such as “Bugonia” and “Frankenstein.” While the other movies are strong contenders, “Sinners” was nothing short of a cultural masterpiece. With the cinematography, casting, music and cultural importance, “Sinners” deserves to win every Oscar Award it is nominated for.

norrisl3@miamioh.edu