Marvel President Kevin Feige believes Michael B. Jordan's 'Sinners', with its record 16 Oscar nominations for 2026, deserves Best Picture, praising its music as exceptionally meaningful.
KEVIN FEIGE WANTS SINNERS TO WIN BEST PICTURE! 👀
In a rare and enthusiastic endorsement, Marvel Cinematic Universe President Kevin Feige has publicly championed Michael B. Jordan's supernatural thriller, 'Sinners,' declaring it deserving of the Best Picture Oscar at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards in 2026. The film has already made cinematic history, shattering records with an unprecedented 16 nominations, including coveted nods for Best Picture and Best Actor for Jordan himself. Feige's outspoken support, particularly his commendation of the film's musical score, underscores a burgeoning industry consensus around 'Sinners'' groundbreaking achievement and its potential to redefine Oscar recognition for genre-bending cinema, as reported by Times of India.
'Sinners,' directed by Ryan Coogler, has emerged as a formidable force in the awards circuit, accumulating a staggering 16 Academy Award nominations for the 2026 ceremony. This monumental achievement surpasses the previous record of 14 nominations held by a select few films, positioning 'Sinners' as an unparalleled contender. The nominations span crucial categories, recognizing the film's comprehensive excellence from Best Picture to Michael B. Jordan's dual performance as lead actor. The film tells the compelling story of twin brothers, both played by Jordan, who return to their hometown with hopes of leaving their troubled past behind, only to confront a far greater evil awaiting them. This intricate narrative, coupled with strong performances from a diverse cast including Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, and Delroy Lindo, has clearly resonated deeply within the industry, setting the stage for what could be a historic night at the Oscars. The sheer volume of nominations indicates a broad appeal and critical acclaim across various crafts and creative departments, solidifying its status as a major cinematic event leading up to the awards season, as detailed by Times of India.
Kevin Feige, a titan in the modern film industry, rarely issues such direct endorsements for non-Marvel productions, making his comments on 'Sinners' particularly noteworthy. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Feige specifically highlighted the film's music as a pivotal element of its brilliance. "The music was incredibly meaningful to me, and I told Ryan that my jaw was on the floor. It should win best picture for that alone," Feige stated, emphasizing the profound impact of the score. This sentiment from the Marvel head is not just a personal opinion but carries significant weight, signaling respect and admiration from a figure whose projects often dominate box office charts but infrequently receive top-tier Oscar recognition outside of technical categories. Feige further elaborated on his view of the Academy's occasional disconnect with popular cinema, noting, "The Academy doesn't always, in my opinion, recognize the movies that are most relevant for audiences today. But, boy, did they hit it with this one." This suggests 'Sinners' successfully bridges the gap between critical appeal and resonant storytelling for contemporary audiences. Feige's conviction comes amidst a wave of celebrity praise for 'Sinners'. Before the record-breaking nominations, the film had already garnered acclaim from Hollywood heavyweights. Tom Cruise, for instance, posted on Instagram in April 2025, urging his followers to see the film in cinemas and "stay through the end credits," a testament to its immersive experience. Other prominent figures like Ben Stiller and sports icon LeBron James have also voiced their admiration for the supernatural thriller. This widespread, high-profile support from diverse corners of entertainment – from industry moguls to celebrated actors and athletes – paints a picture of a film that has truly captured the zeitgeist and established itself as a must-see cinematic achievement, as conveyed by the Times of India report.
Kevin Feige's candid remarks regarding the Academy's occasional oversight of audience-relevant films, coupled with his strong endorsement of 'Sinners,' illuminate a persistent tension within the Oscars: the balance between artistic merit and popular appeal. For years, there has been a perceived disconnect, where critically acclaimed independent dramas often triumph over blockbuster successes or genre films that deeply resonate with wider audiences. Feige, whose Marvel Cinematic Universe films consistently break box office records but rarely clinch the top prize, understands this dynamic perhaps better than anyone. His statement, "Boy, did they hit it with this one," regarding 'Sinners'' 16 nominations, suggests a belief that the Academy has, for once, aligned its prestigious recognition with a film that genuinely connects with and excites the public. This convergence, if 'Sinners' ultimately captures Best Picture, could signal a significant evolution in how the Academy views and rewards cinematic achievement. It might encourage a broader spectrum of filmmakers to push genre boundaries with the confidence that their work, if executed with exceptional quality, can compete at the highest level. The acknowledgment of a supernatural thriller in such a grand manner could pave the way for more diverse storytelling to be celebrated, moving away from a historically more conservative interpretation of what constitutes 'Best Picture.'
Furthermore, the role of music, as Feige specifically highlighted, often forms the emotional backbone of a film, yet it is rarely cited as a standalone reason for a Best Picture win. This emphasis on the score for 'Sinners' suggests a holistic appreciation of the film's artistry, recognizing how integral every component, especially auditory, is to the overall impact. This could push the industry to not just consider technical excellence but also the emotional and cultural resonance created through a film's complete artistic package. The unprecedented number of nominations itself points to a film that is not just good in one or two areas, but profoundly excellent across the board, earning recognition for writing, direction, acting, and technical crafts. This comprehensive success might set a new benchmark for what it takes for a genre film—or any film—to garner widespread critical acclaim alongside audience adoration, potentially influencing future awards strategies and cinematic productions. The industry is watching to see if this trend-setting film can convert its record nominations into the ultimate prize, reaffirming the validity of popular yet profound storytelling.
While the focus remains largely on 'Sinners' and its Oscar trajectory, the broader entertainment landscape continues to bustle with activity. The world of celebrity culture, as observed by a platform like UNILAD Celebrity News, constantly provides glimpses into the lives of stars outside their professional endeavors. For instance, pop superstar Taylor Swift and NFL tight end Travis Kelce continue to be a dominant topic for celebrity watchers. They were recently spotted leaving Bird Streets Club in West Hollywood at 2 AM after an evening out with fellow NFL star George Kittle and his wife Claire Kittle, as reported by News18. This outing, which the couples kept private with no public comments or social media posts, signifies the intertwining of their high-profile social circles, building on previous public interactions at games and other events. The interest in their coordinated fashion choices and their effortless composure underscores the enduring fascination with celebrity lifestyles.
Meanwhile, the music and fashion icon Rihanna provided a more down-to-earth, yet equally captivating, moment. She was spotted at a Los Angeles supermarket, dressed in an all-black ensemble and chic sunglasses, trying to keep a low profile. However, her presence inevitably drew attention. A viral video captured a humorous interaction where an elderly woman, starstruck by Rihanna, accidentally grabbed the singer's shopping cart. This lighthearted mix-up resulted in a shared laugh, showcasing Rihanna's approachable side despite her superstar status. Accompanied by her bodyguard and chef, Rihanna was seen picking up everyday items like vegetables and a flowerpot, illustrating how even mundane activities become extraordinary when a global icon is involved. The outing also subtly brought up ongoing speculation about her relationship status with A$AP Rocky, with the rapper playfully sidestepping questions about their rumored marriage. These moments, ranging from high-profile parties to grocery runs, reflect the multifaceted nature of celebrity life, constantly under public scrutiny and perpetual discussion, as News18 also covered.
In another sphere of televised entertainment, 'Dancing With the Stars' is capitalizing on its recent surge in popularity following the viral success of its 34th season. The show is launching its inaugural fan convention, "Dancing With the Stars Con," in Palm Springs from July 31 to August 2. The event at Acrisure Arena will feature a star-studded lineup of professional dancers, celebrity contestants, and judges from the show's long history. This convention promises live performances, interactive panels, photo experiences, and exclusive merchandise, aiming to offer fans an immersive experience into the world of ballroom dancing. The move to a large-scale fan convention highlights the show's enduring cultural impact and its ability to continually reinvent itself for new generations of viewers, turning a long-running series into a dynamic, interactive fan phenomenon. Faculty Productions & BBC Studios have partnered to create this event, reflecting a trend of extending popular television franchises into experiential fan events, a strategy increasingly common in Hollywood following successful models employed by Comic-Cons and similar gatherings, as detailed by The Hollywood Reporter.
All eyes will undoubtedly be on the 98th Academy Awards in 2026 to see if 'Sinners' can convert its record-breaking 16 nominations into Oscar gold, particularly the highly coveted Best Picture award. Kevin Feige's powerful advocacy for the film, emphasizing its music and relevance, adds a compelling narrative to its awards campaign. A win for 'Sinners' would not only be a personal triumph for Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler but also a significant moment for the Academy, potentially signaling a more inclusive and audience-conscious approach to its highest honors. It would challenge traditional definitions of 'Oscar-worthy' cinema and validate the artistic merit of genre-blending storytelling.
Beyond the Oscars, the ramifications of 'Sinners'' success could be far-reaching. It may encourage studios to invest more in original, ambitious genre projects, and empower filmmakers to push creative boundaries within established tropes. The film's critical and popular acclaim might also solidify Michael B. Jordan's status as a leading man capable of both blockbuster appeal and profound dramatic depth, potentially leading to more diverse and complex roles in his career. The industry will be observing closely whether this momentum transforms into a lasting shift in awards recognition and cinematic production trends. Meanwhile, the continued public interest in celebrity interactions like those of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, and a pop culture icon like Rihanna embodying daily life, underscores the persistent human fascination with fame, while events like the 'Dancing With the Stars' convention illustrate the evolving strategies to engage and capitalize on dedicated fan bases in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.
The entertainment world mourns the loss of beloved actors, singers, and public figures in 2026, including Brad Arnold, Catherine O'Hara, and Sean Swayze, leaving a void across film, music, and television.
Nancy Guthrie, mother of 'Today' anchor Savannah Guthrie, has been reported missing in Arizona and classified as a 'vulnerable adult' by police.
Molly Ringwald shares insights into John Hughes' perspective on remaking his iconic films, stating the late director "didn't want" them, echoing sentiment against Hollywood reboots.