Ryan Coogler emphasized a key requirement while preparing to direct Sinners, his latest film that has become an impressive global blockbuster. Known for his creative partnership with Michael B. Jordan, Coogler insisted on a critical production decision that shaped the movie’s unique impact: for Sinners to be shot entirely on film, not digital. This insistence on using film set the tone for the project, contributing directly to its distinctive aesthetic and energy that have resonated with viewers and critics alike.
Sinners features Michael B. Jordan in the dual roles of Smoke and Stack, twin brothers who return to their southern roots in the Mississippi Delta to open a juke joint, only to be confronted by a vampire threat on opening night. With supporting performances from Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku, Miles Caton, Jack O’Connell, Delroy Lindo, Li Jun Li, Jayme Lawson, and Omar Miller, Sinners weaves a story that is both grounded and otherworldly.
Sinners Breaks New Ground in the Horror Genre
The success of Sinners is significant, particularly for an original, R-rated horror film. The movie grossed just under $368 million worldwide, capturing near-universal acclaim from critics. Many in the film industry are already calling Sinners a frontrunner for the 2026 Oscars, with nominations expected in key categories like Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Actor. According to industry observers, Ryan Coogler’s vision, grounded in his creative principles and strong working relationship with Michael B. Jordan, stands at the heart of Sinners’ achievements.
Film vs. Digital: The Director’s Perspective
Coogler highlighted his guiding principle during an interview with Happy Sad Confused, shedding light on what he called his “non-negotiables” for the film’s production process. His core insistence was that Sinners be produced using film—specifically, it was shot in both Ultra Panavision 70mm and IMAX 70mm formats. This technical choice was not arbitrary; Coogler believes it has a profound impact on how the film feels and is experienced by audiences.
“I think, look, the non-negotiables were, number one was that it would be shot on film. That was a big one. I was probably, out of all of them, that was the one that I think was the most important. The average person in a day is going to interact with like, I got to imagine, hundreds, if not thousands of digital images. We’re so used to the digital image that when you see something that was captured with celluloid, it feels different.”
—Ryan Coogler, Director
This statement highlights the director’s deep belief in the sensory and artistic quality of celluloid film, arguing that audiences, inundated daily with digital visuals, can immediately perceive the difference when experiencing a story on true film.
Award Season Buzz and Key Competitors
The decision to shoot on film has placed Sinners in a standout position as awards season approaches. One of its strongest prospects is a nomination—and potentially a win—for Best Cinematography, an area where its classic format and visual depth offer a distinct edge. The film’s main competition includes Paul Thomas Anderson‘s One Battle After Another and Chloé Zhao‘s Hamnet, both of which are also being recognized as serious Oscar contenders.
Other categories where Sinners is likely to be a nominee include Best Director, reflecting not just the technical mastery but the emotional nuance Coogler brings to his work. The anticipation around Sinners is heightened by its current and future presence in theaters, with likely re-releases giving audiences additional opportunities to experience its cinematic artistry on the big screen ahead of the Oscars.
A Collaboration Years in the Making
Sinners marks another milestone in the ongoing collaboration between Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan. Their creative partnership has already yielded successes with Fruitvale Station, the Creed franchise, and the Black Panther movies. For many, Sinners feels like a culmination, blending action, horror, and emotional storytelling with a visual style that stands out in the current cinematic landscape.
The film’s powerful reception is particularly notable given the challenges many movies continue to face at the box office in the post-pandemic era. Sinners defied expectations through a combination of innovative storytelling, technical artistry, and the bankable appeal of its talented cast.
What’s Next for Coogler and Sinners
With the excitement surrounding Sinners, Ryan Coogler’s career shows no signs of slowing. He is reportedly set to direct Black Panther 3 as well as lead a reboot of The X-Files. However, before moving on to these projects, much attention remains focused on Sinners as it prepares for a likely Oscars campaign and planned theatrical re-release, offering more viewers the chance to experience the director’s “non-negotiable” creative vision.
By making the Ryan Coogler Sinners non-negotiable the defining principle of its production, Coogler ensured his latest film both honored the tactile, emotional power of celluloid and set a new standard for how a contemporary horror movie can capture the public imagination.
