Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler Share Insights on Creating ‘Sinners’ at the Oscars Backstage
Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan Reflect on Their Roles in "Sinners" After Oscar Wins
Los Angeles, CA – After receiving two Oscars for their work on the film "Sinners," writer-director Ryan Coogler expressed that casting Michael B. Jordan as the characters Smoke and Stack was an obvious choice. "As soon as I imagined what those two characters were going to be, I knew I had to call Mike," Coogler remarked backstage.
Jordan’s preparation for his roles involved writing extensive journals for the brothers, which he described as a way to delve into their backstories and motivations. "I try to go from the earliest memory that I can conjure up and think of, and I write all the way up to the first page of the script," he explained. "That gives me an opportunity to figure out where they’re coming from, and that informs a lot of their decisions. Smoke is quiet; he’s a protector, and Stack is a little bit more light and buoyant, a slick talker and a troublemaker."
Both Coogler and Jordan, who won the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role, took a moment backstage to discuss their creative processes following the ceremony. Coogler has previously remarked on the significant influence of his Uncle James, who he considers “the closest thing he has to a grandfather,” in shaping the film’s narrative. "I’m so proud that he gave me the gift of his stories about Mississippi, and he continues to give me gifts from where he is now," Coogler noted.
Jordan also highlighted the importance of his predecessors in the industry. "I’m here because of the people that came before me," he stated. "Sidney [Poitier] and Denzel [Washington], Halle Berry… all those actors who graced the stage, not looking for awards and not looking for acknowledging the artist. They want to do the work, and that’s something I’ve always focused on—was trying to do the work."
Both filmmakers have expressed a commitment to telling stories that resonate deeply with personal and cultural histories, showcasing their dedication to the craft and the industry’s legacy.
