Ryan Coogler, an Oakland-born director, is known for directing and writing blockbusters that combine social commentary, and Black culture and identity. On Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, the 98th Oscar nominations for 2026 were announced with Coogler’s recent film, “Sinners,” earning 16 Academy Award nominations for the horror drama set in 1932 Mississippi, making it the most-nominated film in Oscar history. Among these honors was a Best Director nomination for Coogler, marking the first time a Black filmmaker from Oakland has received recognition in that category.
The record-breaking nominations approach nearly every area of filmmaking, including acting, cinematography, editing, costume design, sound, original screenplay, and Best Picture. Even before the Oscars, “Sinners” earned major — though some say still lacking — recognition at the Golden Globes, where the film won Cinematic and Box Office Achievement along with Best Original Score.
These achievements add to Coogler’s already influential career. He first gained national attention with “Fruitvale Station” in 2013, a powerful film centered on Oscar Grant III, whose death deeply affected the Oakland community. From there, Coogler transitioned into large-scale studio projects, directing “Creed” and Marvel’s “Black Panther” films. “Black Panther” alone earned seven Oscar nominations and won three, while “Judas and the Black Messiah,” which Coogler co-produced, received five nominations and won two. His work has consistently balanced blockbuster interest with relatable storytelling.
Born in Oakland and raised in Richmond, Coogler attended St. Mary’s College High School in Berkeley before continuing his education at California State University, Sacramento, and later the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts for his Master of Fine Arts (MFA). While in college, a creative writing class helped unfold his talent for emotional narratives, starting a framework for his future as a director.
Coogler’s success has been supported by his wife and producing partner, Zinzi Coogler. Raised in Oakland, Zinzi met Ryan while they were both college athletes. She has remained closely involved in every stage of his career, from helping him access professional screenwriting tools early on to co-founding Proximity Media with Sev Ohanian in 2021. Together, they have built a production company centered around truly meaningful storytelling.
With “Sinners,” Coogler discovered a new genre by blending historical drama with horror. The film follows Sammie, a young blues musician navigating both family conflict and supernatural forces in Jim Crow-era Mississippi. At its core, the story examines music, faith, race, and survival. Much of the film draws from Coogler’s own family history, especially regarding relatives who migrated from Mississippi to California after World War II. His connection to blues music, passed down through a close family member, also helped shape the film’s emotional foundation.
Music plays a central role in the project. Oakland artist Raphael Saadiq contributed an original song that earned an Oscar nomination. Actor Delroy Lindo, an Oakland resident since the 1990s, also received his first Academy Award nomination for his performance in “Sinners.”
Today, Coogler stands as one of the most influential filmmakers of his generation. From local theaters in Oakland to international award stages, his journey illustrates the power of creative ambition rooted in community.