Sinners is winning big at the 98th Academy Awards.
On Sunday night’s Oscar ceremony in Los Angeles, director Ryan Coogler won Best Original Screenplay for the 2025 horror film, becoming the second Black writer to win this award following Jordan Peel in 2018. In his acceptance speech, he urged the audience to let him speak so he wouldn’t get rushed off stage.
“I grew up in Oakland, Richmond, California, so I talk a lot,” said Coogler. “I want to thank everybody involved in this movie.”
He went on to nervously thank the studio, the cast and crew, his parents, as well as his wife and kids.
The film had a record-breaking 16 nominations at the 98th Academy Awards. Best Original Screenplay was the film’s first win of the night.
The win followed a stunning live performance of “I Lied To You” from the movie, which starred Sinners‘ leading man Miles Canton. Shaboozy, Brittany Howard, ballet dancer Misty Copeland, and more joined him on stage alongside dozens of other performers. Coogler, Michael B. Jordan, Leonardo DiCaprio, and more enjoyed the performance from the audience.
Find tickets to L.A. screenings of Sinners here.
Watch the performance below.