At a Glance
- Ruth E. Carter becomes the most-nominated Black woman in Oscars history.
- Fifth nomination for Sinners, a film that earned a record 16 nominations.
- Only 20 Oscars have gone to Black women since 1929.
Why it matters: Carter’s achievement highlights progress and ongoing gaps in Hollywood recognition.
Ruth E. Carter made history on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, when the Academy announced her fifth nomination for costume design. The award marks a milestone for the 65-year-old designer, who has now become the most-nominated Black woman across any Oscar category.
Record-Breaking Nomination
The nomination comes for Carter’s work on Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, a drama that stars Michael B. Jordan, Wunmi Mosaku and Hailee Steinfeld. The film’s nomination tally is unprecedented: it received 16 nods, topping the previous record of 14 held by Titanic (1997), La La Land (2016) and All About Eve (1950). Coogler himself is the second Black filmmaker to be nominated in the same year for producing, directing and original screenplay, following Jordan Peele’s triple recognition for Get Out.
The 16 nominations make Sinners the most nominated film of the year and the first film in Oscar history to surpass 15 nominations. The achievement underscores the film’s broad appeal across both creative and technical categories.
Sinners’ Nominations in Context
- Sinners* earned nods in 16 categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress. The film’s success demonstrates the Academy’s growing acknowledgment of diverse stories and talent. It also places the movie among the most celebrated releases of the year. The nominations cover a wide range of categories, from acting to technical achievements, reflecting its comprehensive craftsmanship.
Carter’s Oscar Journey
Carter’s Oscar history began with a nomination for Malcolm X in 1993 and Amistad in 1998. She won her first award for Black Panther in 2019 and followed that with a second win for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in 2023. With this latest nomination, she has accumulated 5 Oscar nods, placing her ahead of all other Black women in Academy history. Her career spans more than three decades, during which she has worked on numerous high-profile films.
| Year | Film | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Malcolm X | Costume Design | Nominated |
| 1998 | Amistad | Costume Design | Nominated |
| 2019 | Black Panther | Costume Design | Won |
| 2023 | Black Panther: Wakanda Forever | Costume Design | Won |
| 2026 | Sinners | Costume Design | Nominated |
Industry Context
Variety reports that Carter was previously tied with Viola Davis for the title of most-nominated Black creative. Now, Carter, Spike Lee and Morgan Freeman are all tied for third most-nominated Black creative overall, after Denzel Washington and Quincy Jones, who hold seven and nine nominations respectively. The outlet also notes that only 20 Oscars have been awarded to Black women since 1929. The Academy’s recognition of Carter underscores a broader trend of increased visibility for Black artists.
Memoir Release
In 2023, Carter published her memoir, The Art of Ruth E. Carter: Costuming Black History and the Afrofuture from Do the Right Thing to Black Panther. In an interview with News Of Los Angeles, she explained that she wanted to document details that had never been written down. “I had so many stories that I feel were very unique to my movie experience,” she said. “I didn’t want to forget the details because nothing was written down. And, what? I have 40 years in the business, so I was like, it’s time to write everything down. It’s time to share with the world.” The memoir provides an inside look at Carter’s 40-year career and her approach to storytelling through costume.
Instagram Reaction
After the announcement, Carter posted a message of gratitude on Instagram. “I am so happy for all my fellow nominees, I’m so happy that I got one too. It’s so cool, I’m just beside myself,” she wrote. She also thanked fans for the “beautiful” response to Sinners. Her post garnered thousands of likes and comments from fans worldwide.
Other Nominees
The other contenders in the Best Achievement in Costume Design category are:
- Deborah L. Scott for Avatar: Fire and Ash
- Kate Hawley for Frankenstein
- Malgosia Turzanska for Hamnet
- Miyako Belizzi for Marty Supreme
The nominees represent a diverse group of designers, showcasing the breadth of talent in the industry.
Carter’s Career Highlights
- First Oscar nomination for Malcolm X (1993)
- Second nomination for Amistad (1998)
- First Oscar win for Black Panther (2019)
- Second Oscar win for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2023)
- Fifth nomination for Sinners (2026)
Her career spans more than three decades, during which she has worked on numerous high-profile films.
Industry Reaction
Variety reports that Carter was previously tied with Viola Davis for the title of most-nominated Black creative. The article also notes that only 20 Oscars have been awarded to Black women since 1929, underscoring the continued need for representation. The Academy’s recognition of Carter underscores a broader trend of increased visibility for Black artists.
Quotes from the Awards
During the ceremony, Carter reflected on her first win: “I was kind of shaking my head as I walked up onto the stage because I thought to myself, ‘I am the role model.’ I felt affirmed.” She added about her second win: “The second one, I said, ‘I’m affirmed. This is real.’ Not that I didn’t feel like I was real, it just felt even more important.” Her reflections on the awards highlight the personal significance of her achievements.
Sinners’ Production Highlights
- Sinners* was directed by Ryan Coogler and stars Michael B. Jordan, Wunmi Mosaku and Hailee Steinfeld. The film’s ensemble cast and Coogler’s direction contributed to its broad appeal. The film’s production involved collaboration with a diverse crew, further emphasizing inclusive storytelling.
Awards Landscape
| Category | Nominated Film |
|---|---|
| Best Picture | Sinners |
| Best Director | Ryan Coogler |
| Best Original Screenplay | Sinners |
| Best Supporting Actress | Hailee Steinfeld |
The categories in which Sinners was nominated illustrate the film’s strengths across both narrative and technical domains.
Key Takeaways
- Carter’s fifth nomination cements her status as the most-nominated Black woman in Oscars history.
- Sinners sets a new record with 16 nominations, surpassing the previous high of 14.
- Only 20 Oscars have gone to Black women since 1929, underscoring the ongoing need for greater representation.
- Carter’s memoir and public statements highlight her dedication to preserving Black storytelling in cinema.
- The record-breaking nominations and Carter’s historic achievements signal a shift toward greater inclusivity in the film industry.
