Sinners Writer Ryan Coogler Says He’s “Very Nervous” After Oscar Win

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Ryan Coogler received the Best Original Screenplay award at the 98th Academy Awards for his work on Sinners, and he jokingly mentioned during his speech that he was extremely nervous.

The audience cheered wildly when Coogler was named the winner. He not only wrote the film but also directed it, featuring actors like Michael B. Jordan, Miles Caton, Wunmi Mosaku, Hailee Steinfeld, and Delroy Lindo. As he approached the stage, he asked everyone to quiet down so he could deliver his acceptance speech.

He started his speech with a self-deprecating joke, playfully urging the audience to sit down because he was nervous and expected to be cut off. He mentioned growing up in Oakland, California, and said there was much more he could share. The director then thanked the Academy and all the other nominees in his category.

I’d like to thank the Academy for recognizing our film, even though it was released nearly a year ago. This is a tremendous honor. I also want to thank my fellow nominees, and I’m grateful for the inspiration and friendship they’ve all given me over the years.

Ryan Coogler and Robert Kaplow were nominated for their work on Blue Moon, as were Jafar Panahi, Nader Saïvar, Shadmehr Rastin, and Mehdi Mahmoudian for It Was Just an Accident. Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie received a nomination for Marty Supreme, and Eskil Vogt and Joachim Trier were nominated for Sentimental Value.

The filmmaker then thanked everyone who contributed to Sinners, including the cast, crew, and Warner Bros., saying, “You’re all incredible, and I consider you all winners.” He concluded by expressing his gratitude to his parents, wife Zinzi, and his three children.

Zinzi, you’re an amazing wife and mother. Each day with you is better than the last. To my parents, thank you for all the wonderful memories and for always believing in me. To my children watching at home, I’m sorry for being away so much. Know that Dad loves you very much. All we really have are our memories, and I hope I’ve created some good ones for you. When I’m gone, I want you to remember one thing above all else: I love you more than anything in the world.

The film Sinners has received a record-breaking 16 Academy Award nominations, making it the most nominated film in Oscars history. Ryan Coogler’s win marks the first Oscar for Sinners, and Ludwig Göransson also won for Best Original Score.

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2026-03-16 05:12