Is Sinners the Only Surefire Contender for Best Picture?
As we approach the culmination of June and the mid-year mark, it’s time to reflect on the landscape of the 98th Academy Awards. While the ceremony isn’t set to take place until March 15, anticipation is already building about which films will emerge as frontrunners. This year, amidst a sparse field of nominees, one film stands tall as a guaranteed nominee for the coveted Best Picture Oscar.
A Standout Film: Sinners
Sinners, directed by the talented Ryan Coogler, debuted on April 18. This Warner Bros. film boasts a unique blend of the gangster and vampire genres, centering on twin brothers who return from Chicago’s crime-riddled past to find redemption in their southern hometown. It has garnered remarkable acclaim, achieving a staggering 97% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 375 reviews and an impressive 96% positive audience score. With box office earnings of $278 million in the U.S. and $364 million globally, Sinners has become a true rarity—a critically lauded original film that resonates with audiences.
Watch the Trailer
Curious about what makes Sinners such a standout? Check out the trailer below:
An Oscar-Worthy Contender
With its combination of exquisite craftsmanship and stellar performances, Sinners is poised to sweep the Oscars with multiple nominations. Among its potential nominations are:
- Best Picture
- Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan
- Best Supporting Actor nods for Delroy Lindo and/or Miles Caton
- Best Supporting Actress for Hailee Steinfeld and/or Wunmi Mosaku
- Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for Coogler
- Best Original Score, Song, and various technical awards including Cinematography and Editing
As it stands, Sinners commands the awards conversation, especially in a year where other contenders seem less prominent.
Historical Context: The Mid-Year Oscar Race
It’s important to note that having a clear front-runner at this point in the year isn’t entirely unusual. Last year, for instance, only Dune: Part Two, which premiered on March 1, would go on to receive a Best Picture nomination. It wasn’t just a contender; it ended up winning Oscars for Sound and Visual Effects.
More historically, only a handful of films released before July have managed to secure Best Picture nominations in recent years. Notable examples include Everything Everywhere All at Once and CODA, both of which premiered outside the typical awards season window, proving that success can come at unexpected times.
Upcoming Contenders to Watch
While Sinners dominates this year’s frontrunner narrative, there are other films that may yet capture the Academy’s attention:
Sorry, Baby
Eva Victor’s critically acclaimed film Sorry, Baby, recently released via A24, has already created waves at both Sundance (where it won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award) and Cannes. This heartfelt story is garnering buzz for potential nominations, especially for Best Original Screenplay and perhaps a Best Actress nod for Victor herself.
Familiar Touch
A recent limited release, Familiar Touch, showcases Kathleen Chalfant’s powerful performance as a woman wrestling with dementia. This emotional drama could resonate well with Academy voters, especially given the precedent set by films like To Leslie.
Other Noteworthy Films
In the first half of 2025, films such as Black Bag and The Life of Chuck deserve recognition, though they may lack the commercial momentum typically favored by the Academy. They’re strong contenders in their own right, balancing storytelling with meaningful performances, and not to be overlooked in this season’s race.
Looking Ahead
The cinematic landscape remains dynamic, with festival favorites ready to enter the awards conversation. As we look forward to the second half of the year, it’s clear that Sinners has staked its claim as the film to beat.
Whether you agree or not, one thing is certain: this gripping blend of genres is a must-see and a film that is sure to dominate discussions leading up to Oscar night.
In conclusion, mark your calendars for the season ahead—the Academy Awards promises excitement, intrigue, and, of course, cinematic excellence!
