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The Academy Awards has always favored dramas, followed very distantly by comedies. Genre titles don\u2019t often break through, especially<\/em> horror. There are a few big exceptions (Get Out, Misery, The Silence of the Lambs)<\/em>, but the 2026 ceremony looks to have the largest horror presence in recent memory, thanks to Sinners<\/em>\u2018 record-breaking 16 nominations.<\/p>\n Speaking to Deadline, Sinners<\/em> director Ryan Coogler said the incredible achievement hadn\u2019t really sunk in yet. That\u2019s understandable since you have to take a very deep breath before trying to recite all the categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Michael B. Jordan, who played a dual role in the film), Best Supporting Actress (Wunmi Mosaku), Best Supporting Actor (Delroy Lindo), Original Screenplay, Casting, Production Design, Cinematography, Costume Design, Editing, Makeup and Hairstyling, Sound, Visual Effects, Original Score, and<\/em> Original Song (\u201cI Lied to You\u201d).<\/p>\n Coogler also admitted he hasn\u2019t had the chance yet to ponder what Sinners<\/em>\u2018 nomination avalanche means for horror\u2014but he\u2019s proud that his vampire film has gotten so much recognition despite it not being typical awards-season fare. \u201cI haven\u2019t had a chance to think about it on the genre thought, but as far as pride in what we made and how we made it, I was so thankful that everybody said yes to this movie,\u201d he told Deadline.<\/p>\n \u201cMy partners included, because I knew that the movie on the surface could be read as very strange. And I say that in the best of ways, because I also really love strange movies,\u201d he said. \u201cThose are the movies that I always admired. And I always admired the bravery of artists that were able to make movies that were kind of undefinable when it came to genre, and scary movies, and movies that went there in any particular way.\u201d<\/p>\n Coogler is only the second Black filmmaker to get nods for producing, directing, and original screenplay in the same year, according to Variety\u2014following in the footsteps of another horror groundbreaker in Jordan Peele. Coogler is the seventh Black director to be nominated for an Oscar in that category, though none have yet taken home the statuette.<\/p>\n We\u2019ll be rooting for Sinners<\/em>, Coogler, and the whole idea of strange and undefinable movies finally getting the recognition they deserve when the Oscars take place March 15.<\/p>\n Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what\u2019s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote><\/div>\n\n