Why the 16-Oscar nominee ‘Sinners’ is a radical act of industry resistance
The success of Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” isn’t just a win for the box office; it’s a radical act of resistance against the current “streaming-first” Hollywood model.
Media Studies Professor Phillip Cunningham is available to provide analysis on the groundbreaking business mechanics behind the film. He notes that Coogler’s deal with Warner Bros.—which allows him to regain ownership of the film’s rights in 25 years—is a rare act of agency that challenges the entire studio system.
Cunningham can provide expert commentary on:
- The Anti-Netflix Model: How Sinners combats “ambient viewing” (background watching) by demanding a focused theatrical experience.
- Betting on Black Cinema: Why traditional studios underestimated the film’s mainstream potential and what its success means for future Black-cast theatrical releases.
- The Streaming First Connection: How streaming services have essentially resurrected the 1940s studio monopolies, and how Coogler’s “Sinners” presents the streaming powerhouses with a quandary.
With “Sinners” heading into the Oscars with a record-breaking 16 nominations this Sunday, Professor Cunningham can also discuss how this business model could become the new ‘A-List’ standard for Academy favorites.
Contact Kim McGrath at mcgratka@wfu.edu for assistance or email Phillip Cunningham directly at cunninp@wfu.edu
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