Ryan Coogler Expresses Gratitude to Family and Shares His Love for His Children
Director Ryan Coogler received his first Oscar on March 16, 2026, marking a significant moment for both him and Warner Bros. The audience greeted his win with a standing ovation, but Coogler quickly sought to calm the crowd, aware of the limited time he had to deliver his remarks.
“Please sit down, I’m very nervous and they are going to play me off,” Coogler said with a smile. “I’m from Oakland, California and we can talk a lot.”
Coogler emerged as a front-runner after winning the Writers Guild award for Best Original Screenplay. The award was presented to him by actors Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans during a mini-Avengers reunion.
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In his acceptance speech, Coogler expressed gratitude to studio co-chiefs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, as well as his cast and crew, inviting them to stand and share in the recognition. He also thanked his family, specifically mentioning his wife, parents, and children, highlighting the importance of the memories created by this achievement.
“I apologized for all the time away; memories are all we have and I hope I gave you some great ones,” Coogler reflected emotionally. “And when you’ve been blessed to live a long life and dad just becomes a memory, I want you to remember this one thing: I love you more than anything.”
Sinners director Ryan Coogler wins for Best Original Screenplay #Oscars pic.twitter.com/HMbOpnMrOk
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) March 16, 2026
