Bay Area’s Star Power Shines Bright with Impressive Oscar Nominations

SAN FRANCISCO — As the 98th Academy Awards approach, discussions about the Bay Area’s significant impact on the film industry are gaining momentum. Whether they are natives or residents of the region, there’s a strong acknowledgment that this year has been exceptional for Bay Area talent.

Among the highlights is San Francisco’s own Alicia Silverstone, who has made a splash on the big screen with her role in “Bugonia.” This dark comedy has secured several Oscar nominations, totaling four, marking a significant achievement for the film and its team.

Furthermore, the film “Sinners” has set a new record with an impressive 16 Oscar nominations, much of the excitement stemming from its Bay Area connections.

Ryan Coogler, the director of “Sinners” and an Oakland native, is in the running for Best Director, a testament to his remarkable work.

In accepting the BAFTA Award for Original Screenplay just last month, Coogler reflected on his roots, saying, “I come from a community that loves me, that spoke a lot of power into me, a lot of pride into me. I love them back. They made me believe that I could do this. That I could be a writer.”

February’s win was just another historic accomplishment for the film’s team. It made the vampire thriller the “most-decorated movie from a Black director” in BAFTA history.

Back home, and ahead of his own movie release at Oakland’s Grand Lake Theater, Bay Area basketball icon Steph Curry weighed in on Coogler’s craft, creativity and love of community.

“I got to see ‘Sinners’ here, when it first came out,” Curry told ABC7 Eyewitness News. “When Ryan Coogler came back to show it. So, it’s just crazy that my movie now is being played here.”

Also behind the “Sinners’” success is Autumn Durald Arkapaw, up for Best Cinematography.

The first woman of color nominated in this category, Arkapaw grew up in San Leandro and Danville before moving to Los Angeles.

There is no shortage of East Bay talent. Of “Sinners’” 16 Oscar nominations, the nod for Best Original Song goes to music from Oakland native Raphael Saadiq. Oakland resident Delroy Lindo is tapped for Best Supporting Actor.

Come Oscars Sunday, among the magic, the madness, the glitz, glam and grandiose of Hollywood – the recognition of home.

Arkapaw told ABC7 Eyewitness News that most of her family still resides in the Bay Area.

Both “Sinners” and Bugonia are up for Best Picture.

For those looking for something a little more family-friendly, our friends at Pixar and Disney Animation Studios talk about their Oscar-nominated, animated films – “Elio” and “Zootopia 2.” The directors and producers also told ABC7 Eyewitness News about the Bay Area themes folded into their films. For that coverage, click here.

March 15 is Oscar Sunday! Watch the 2026 Oscars live on ABC and Hulu.

Live red carpet coverage starts at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT with “On The Red Carpet at the Oscars.”Catch all the action on the red carpet live on ABC, or stream on Hulu and OnTheRedCarpet.com.The 98th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, begins at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. and will be followed by “The Bachelorette: Before the First Rose.”

For more stories and videos about the 98th Academy Awards, click here.