Vin Diesel on Thursday posted a heartfelt message praising Ryan Coogler’s film Sinners as the Oscars approach. The actor called the film “one of the best films of the year” and reflected on its cultural meaning.
Diesel took to Instagram to celebrate the film after it earned a record number of Academy Award nominations. He wrote that the milestone felt like more than an awards moment. “To see a young brother come this far, to the biggest stage in cinema… That’s not just impressive. That’s Oakland!” he wrote.
Diesel praised director Ryan Coogler’s voice and vision. He said Sinners preserved a unique storytelling tone while offering a “deep, resonant spin on a classic cinematic trope.”
Industry context and awards haul
Sinners leads this year’s Oscar race with 16 nominations. That total set a new record for the most nominations received by a single film.
The film also enjoyed success at other awards shows this season. At the BAFTAs, Sinners won multiple prizes and became one of the most decorated films by a Black director.
Michael B. Jordan, Wunmi Mosaku and others earned first-time Oscar nods for their work. Actors and craftspeople across the film received attention from critics and awards bodies.
Diesel placed the film’s success in a broader cultural arc. He invoked Sidney Poitier as part of the continuum that led to this moment. “Wow, Sidney Poitier would be proud,” Diesel wrote.
He also noted a personal connection to Oakland. Diesel said the city’s grit and culture informed his pride in Coogler’s achievement.
Entertainment figures often swap public praise in awards season. But Diesel’s note stood out for its family tone and direct reference to community. He referenced his own creative interests in genre storytelling and said he had been drawn to the film’s imagination.