Overview
- Coogler told The New York Times his refusal to join the Academy nearly a decade ago was not out of animosity toward Oscar voters.
- He cited workload across directing projects, unions and his film school, adding he is not comfortable ranking work: "I'm not good at judging things, bro."
- The Academy invited him in 2016 after Creed, following earlier omissions for Fruitvale Station and a Black Panther best picture nod without a best director nomination for him.
- Industry coverage now places Sinners among awards-season frontrunners, with observers saying it could bring Coogler his first best director nomination.
- He describes awards-season glamour as secondary to collaboration and craft, and he is eyeing future work including a Black Panther follow-up targeted for 2028 and producing projects at Proximity Media such as a reported X-Files revival.