Ryan Coogler Rejects 2016 Academy Invitation, Explains “Stressful” Decision

Filmmaker Ryan Coogler declined an invitation to join the Oscars voting body in 2016. The acclaimed director recently explained his reasoning. He spoke to The New York Times about the choice.

His decision was not made from a place of anger. Instead, Coogler expressed deep discomfort with the act of judging art. He prefers to focus on the collaborative work of making movies.

A Director Uninterested in Awards Competition

Coogler was clear about his motivations. “It’s not out of animosity,” he stated. He directly addressed the core issue of ranking creative work.

“I’m not good at judging things, bro,” Coogler told the Times. He finds the process of picking “the best thing” inherently stressful. This is true even when no major stakes are involved.

This philosophy is not new for him. In 2021, he gave a similar explanation to The Hollywood Reporter. He said he does not believe in pitting films against each other.

He rejected the idea of films being “good enough” for lists. For Coogler, the pure love of cinema is sufficient. His focus remains on the craft itself.

Focus on Filmmaking Over Awards Ceremonies

Coogler’s passion is for the filmmaking process, not the red carpet. He emphasized the blue-collar effort behind every production. His daily reality involves problem-solving on set, not awards narratives.

“Most days, I’m wearing coveralls and Columbia gear,” he described. He is focused on solutions that build a story. This mindset lets him avoid external industry chatter.

If he joins any professional groups, he hinted they would be labor unions. He values organizations that support worker welfare and family care. This aligns with his view of film as collective labor.

His upcoming film, “Sinners,” is already tipped for 2026 Oscar attention. Experts predict potential nominations, including Best Director for Coogler. The irony of his awards-season contender status is notable.

Ryan Coogler’s stance on the Academy invitation underscores a principled view of art. He champions the collaborative grind of filmmaking over competitive accolades. His focus remains firmly on the work, not the award.

Thought you’d like to know

Why did Ryan Coogler really say no to the Academy?

He said judging art is too stressful. Coogler does not enjoy ranking creative work. He prefers to focus solely on the filmmaking process.

Has the Academy commented on his decision?

There is no public comment from the Academy on his 2016 decline. The organization typically does not discuss individual invitation responses.

Has Ryan Coogler ever been nominated for an Oscar?

He has not received a personal Oscar nomination yet. His film “Black Panther” was nominated for Best Picture. He could be nominated for directing “Sinners” in 2026.

What is Coogler’s next movie about?

His next film is a supernatural thriller titled “Sinners.” Plot details are still largely under wraps. It is scheduled for release in 2025.