- “Sinners” broke the record for most Oscar nominations with 16.
- Both “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” have ties to the Sacramento region.
- Ryan Coogler, an Oakland native who played football at Sacramento State, directed “Sinners.”
- “One Battle After Another” was filmed in various locations across California.
Breaking Ground: Two Films with Sacramento Ties Shine at the 2026 Oscars
The 91st Academy Awards saw two films from the Sacramento region making waves. “Sinners,” a vampire film directed by Ryan Coogler, broke ground by securing the most nominations in Oscar history with an impressive 16 nods. This achievement is all the more remarkable considering that “Sinners” also serves as a cultural tribute to blues music and features vibrant visuals inspired by the genre.
Coogler’s connection to Sacramento runs deeper than just his film credits. The director, known for his work on films like Fruitvale Station and Black Panther, played football at Sacramento State University from 2003 to 2007 before pursuing a Master’s in Film at the University of Southern California (USC). His time as an athlete has significantly influenced his approach to filmmaking, reflecting a unique blend of raw emotion and technical skill.
Ryan Coogler’s Sacramento Roots
Coogler spoke candidly about how his experience as a student-athlete at Sacramento State contributed to his perspective in the film industry. He shared insights on his podcast “Good Hang with Amy Poehler,” discussing how he leveraged his athletic background to develop his directorial style and storytelling techniques.
“Sacramento has always been an integral part of my journey,” Coogler stated during his interview. “The camaraderie I formed as a football player and the diverse cultural experiences on campus helped shape me into the filmmaker I am today.”
California’s Capitol City: A Hub for Filmmaking
In addition to “Sinners,” Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” also garnered significant attention. This nearly three-hour thriller, which highlights the stakes of revolution and social change, was partially filmed in Sacramento and received 13 nominations at this year’s Oscars.
The film showcases several iconic locations from Sacramento, including the SacRT light rail, Tower Bridge, and various downtown government buildings. Anderson also shot parts of “One Battle After Another” in Stockton, Tracy, Eureka, Borrego Springs, Walter’s Camp, Lompoc, and San Diego, further establishing California as a diverse and rich filming ground.
California’s Film Industry: A Growing Presence
The success of both films has sparked discussions about the potential for more Hollywood productions to be filmed in Sacramento. The city’s vibrant cultural scene and diverse landscapes offer an array of settings that can cater to a wide range of genres, from vampire tales to historical dramas.
With stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Teyana Taylor lending their talents to “One Battle After Another,” there is a growing recognition of Sacramento’s ability to attract major talent. The film’s critical acclaim lays the groundwork for more projects to be shot in California’s Capitol City, potentially reshaping the region’s role in the entertainment industry.
As the debate between “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” continues, one thing is clear: Sacramento has already proven its worth as a significant contributor to the Oscars. The city’s rich history and diverse culture continue to inspire filmmakers like Coogler and Anderson, ensuring that Sacramento will remain a key player in the ever-evolving world of cinema.
Stay tuned for more updates on this year’s Oscar winners and the growing influence of California in the film industry.