Los Angeles—Vin Diesel has publicly praised Ryan Coogler’s period horror drama, Sinners, calling it one of the best films released this year. As awards season progresses, Diesel highlighted the film’s significance as a “rich historical exploration of culture,” drawing attention to its impressive 16 nominations for the 98th Academy Awards, which is a new record for the most nominations ever received by a single film.
Plot and Historical Context of ‘Sinners’
Directed by Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, who plays twin brothers, the story is set in 1932 Mississippi. The twins aim to escape their troubled pasts by opening a juke joint. However, their plans face a dark twist when vampires attack on opening night. The film’s narrative blends horror with deep cultural themes, emphasizing the struggle and resilience of Black characters during that period.
Vin Diesel’s Admiration for Ryan Coogler’s Work
Diesel expressed that he and his family, already fans of Coogler’s acclaimed film Black Panther, were deeply impressed by Sinners. As a prominent figure in the Fast and Furious franchise, Diesel took the opportunity during the Oscar season to commend the exceptional performances and storytelling embodied in Coogler’s work.
“I’d like to take a moment to reflect on one such story… ‘Sinners’! 16 Oscar nominations. The most in the history of the Academy Awards… Wow, Sidney Poitier would be proud. What was once a door he had to kick open has now become a stage where filmmakers of colour don’t just show up, they literally rewrite the record books. Profound. That is the continuum,”
Diesel wrote.
Honoring Sidney Poitier’s Legacy
Sydney Poitier, the actor Diesel references, was the first Black winner of the Academy Award for Best Actor and starred in classics such as In the Heat of the Night and The Defiant Ones. Diesel connects Poitier’s groundbreaking achievements to the modern success of filmmakers of color rewriting the history of cinema with films like Sinners.
Personal Connections and Praise from Diesel
Additionally, Diesel, who is himself a twin, spoke about identifying with the film’s portrayal of twin brothers. Watching the film with his family, he described the character depiction as “beautifully articulated.”
“Wow. So many great things to say about this film. The beautifully articulated portrayal of a twin’s existence – myself, of course, being a twin,”
he stated.
Recognition of the Filmmaker’s Background and Industry Impact
Diesel also delved into Coogler’s background, emphasizing the director’s principled stance on fair compensation in the film industry and his ability to negotiate ownership deals that support marginalized creators. Diesel highlighted the significance of discovering Coogler’s origins in Oakland, California, which added a deeper layer to his appreciation of the film.
“Past his defiant insistence on being compensated fairly, negotiating an ownership reversion deal that does more for the plight… than most recent achievements in this industry. Past the box office dominance. Past the critical acclaim. I kept reading. And then I saw it. Born in Oakland, California. Man, that hit different… ‘Sinners’ is, hands down, one of the best films of the year. Congrats,”
Vin Diesel wrote.
Looking Ahead to the Oscars Ceremony
The 98th Academy Awards are scheduled for March 16, where Sinners is expected to be a major contender across numerous categories. Vin Diesel’s public praise adds to the film’s momentum, underscoring its cultural importance and cinematic achievement as the industry prepares to celebrate this groundbreaking work.
