'Sinners' wins four Oscars but Best Picture loss prompts fan debate online

The film Sinners received multiple awards at the 98th Academy Awards, but its losses in several major categories prompted debate among viewers online following the ceremony on.

Directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, Jack O'Connell and Hailee Steinfeld, the vampire horror film entered the Oscars with a record 16 nominations.

During the ceremony, Sinners won four awards including Best Original Screenplay for Coogler, Best Original Score for Ludwig Göransson, Best Cinematography for Autumn Durald Arkapaw and Best Actor for Jordan.

Despite those wins, the film did not receive the Best Picture award, which went to One Battle After Another. Coogler also did not win Best Director, with the category going to Paul Thomas Anderson.

Following the results, some viewers shared their reactions on social media platforms. One Threads user, wrote: "'Sinners' was a generational triumph in terms of storytelling, acting, writing, a commentary on race relations in this country, on top of being one of the most enjoyable film experiences in years. The Academy got this one wrong. An all-time snub."

Other posts echoed similar sentiments. One user wrote: "I'm just going to say it… 'SINNERS' WAS ROBBED OF THE OSCAR FOR BEST PICTURE!!!!"

Another comment referenced the film’s nominations and the Best Director outcome. "'Sinners' is the most nominated film in Academy Awards history. And its director just lost best director," one user wrote. "What this tells me is that they have systemically decided that no Black director will ever win that category."

Some viewers also pointed to the historical record of the category, noting that only seven Black men have previously been nominated for Best Director.

At the same time, several posts highlighted the awards the film did receive. One account wrote: "A mixed bag tonight. But Ryan, Autumn and Michael winning tonight was a huge score!"

Another user added: "'Sinners' not winning best picture is actually CRAZY, like what exactly more does The Academy want from a film. That being said, hell yes to [Michael B. Jordan's] huge and well-deserved win."

Released in April, Sinners earned $369.4 million at the global box office and received a 97 percent critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes.