Ruth E. Carter Becomes Most-Nominated Black Woman in Oscar History for ‘Sinners’
History was made this morning when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the nominations for the 98th Academy Awards. Legendary costume designer Ruth E. Carter has officially become the most-nominated Black woman in Oscar history, securing her fifth nomination for her stunning work on Ryan Coogler’s Sinners.
A New Record Holder
With this latest nod for Best Costume Design, Carter breaks the tie she previously held with Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis, who has four nominations. Carter’s illustrious career, which includes historic wins for Black Panther (2018) and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2023), has long been a beacon of excellence in Hollywood. Now, she stands alone at the top of the record books, a testament to her enduring vision and artistry.
“It’s pride, gratitude, responsibility,” Carter told the press following the announcement. Her work on Sinners—a vampire horror epic set in the Jim Crow-era South—required a grounded, historical approach that contrasted sharply with the Afrofuturism of Wakanda, yet delivered equally powerful visual storytelling.
‘Sinners’ Sweeps the Nominations
Carter’s achievement was part of a massive wave for Sinners. The film has shattered Academy Award records, earning a staggering 16 nominations. This total surpasses the previous record of 14, shared by All About Eve (1950), Titanic (1997), and La La Land (2016).
Breaking Down the 16 Nods
Ryan Coogler’s genre-defying film was recognized in nearly every eligible category, including:
Best Picture
Best Director (Ryan Coogler)
Best Actor (Michael B. Jordan)
Best Supporting Actor (Delroy Lindo)
Best Supporting Actress (Wunmi Mosaku)
Best Costume Design (Ruth E. Carter)
The film’s dominance highlights a significant moment for Black creatives in the industry. Carter is now tied with Spike Lee and Morgan Freeman for the third-most nominations among Black creatives overall, trailing only Quincy Jones and Denzel Washington.
The Legacy of Ruth E. Carter
Carter’s journey to this moment has been paved with iconic films. She received her first Oscar nomination in 1993 for Spike Lee’s Malcolm X, followed by a nod for Steven Spielberg’s Amistad in 1998. It was her collaboration with Coogler on the Black Panther franchise that finally brought her the gold, making her the first Black woman to win two Oscars in any category.
For Sinners, Carter was tasked with creating a visual language that balanced the gritty reality of 1930s Mississippi with the supernatural elements of the vampire mythos. “We made something out of nothing,” Carter said of the costumes, which relied on authentic textures and period-accurate “hand-me-down” aesthetics to ground the horror in history.
Looking Ahead to the Ceremony
As the 98th Academy Awards approach this March, all eyes will be on Carter to see if she can secure a third statuette. Regardless of the outcome, her status as a trailblazer is cemented. She has not only dressed some of the most memorable characters in cinema history but has also opened doors and set benchmarks that will inspire generations to come.
