Magic Johnsonjoined the chorus of celebration after Ryan Coogler and his film Sinners delivered one of the most talked about nights at the Academy Awards. The film had already had a strong outing during its theatrical run, earning more than $365 million worldwide. It also drew strong cultural attention. The movie further earned recognition from across the entertainment world after the film secured multiple major awards at the 98th ceremony. Its success highlighted the creative team behind the project and the impact the film had on audiences throughout the year. Johnson, a longtime supporter of film and culture, publicly acknowledged the achievements of the cast and crew in a heartfelt post on X.
Magic Johnson sends a beautiful message for Ryan Coogler’s Sinners
Ryan Coogler arrives at MACRO’s 8th Annual Pre-Oscars Party celebrating nominees of color Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Audrey Irmas Pavilion in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)
Following the ceremony, Magic Johnson shared a heartfelt message celebrating the creators behind the film. The basketball icon used social media to praise the artists who contributed to the movie’s Oscar success.“Congratulations to all the incredible actors, actresses, and talented creatives that won Oscars at the 98th Academy Awards last night!,” Johnson wrote on X.The NBA Hall of Famer went on to add, “I want to send a special congratulations to Sinners’ winners – Ryan Coogler for Best Original Screenplay, Michael B. Jordan for Best Lead Actor, Ludwig Goransson for Original Score, and Autumn Durald Arkapaw for being the first woman to win Best Cinematography!” Actor Michael B. Jordan used his acceptance speech to reflect on the journey that led to his historic win. While receiving the Best Actor award for portraying twin characters Smoke and Stack, he acknowledged the performers who shaped the path before him.“I stand here because of the people that came before me: Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, Will Smith,” said Jordan. “To be amongst those giants, amongst those great greats, amongst my ancestors, amongst my guys, thank you everybody in this room and everybody at home for supporting me over my career.”
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners made history at the Oscars
The night confirmed the film’s place in awards history. Sinners entered the ceremony with 16 nominations, the highest total ever for a single film at the Oscars. By the end of the event, it secured four major victories.Coogler earned the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, marking the first Academy Award of his career. Composer Ludwig Göransson added another honor with the Best Original Score award.Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw delivered one of the most significant milestones of the evening. Her win for Best Cinematography made her the first woman ever to receive the award in the category’s history.
