“I Saw My Own People in This Story”: Sev Ohanian on Sinners, Armenian Identity, and the Film’s Historic Oscar Nominations

Armenian-American producer Sev Ohanian reflects on the journey of Sinners — from its earliest creative stages to an unprecedented awards run — in a new interview for NEWS.am STYLE. What he describes with honesty and gratitude is not only the success of a film, but the realization of a lifelong dream shaped by family, heritage, and perseverance.

“By the time we had finished shooting Sinners, even before we started editing it, I already knew that we had really made a very special film,” Ohanian says. “It doesn’t always happen, because every movie is so hard to make — Sinners included — but sometimes you just feel it. What I didn’t know was whether the audience would respond, and I’m so happy that they have.”

“All of these awards recognitions — I never anticipated them, I never expected them. But the fact that people in the industry, critics, reporters, and fellow filmmakers see the value and the hard work we put into this film means everything.”

Awards Recognition and Historic Milestones

Since its release, Sinners has become one of the most talked-about films of the year, earning recognition across all major awards bodies.

The film received seven Golden Globe nominations, winning two awards, including Best Original Score and Cinematic and Box Office Achievement. At the Critics’ Choice Awards, Sinners led the field with an impressive 17 nominations, confirming its strong critical reception.

The soundtrack and original score were also widely celebrated, earning five Grammy nominations, with the film taking home two Grammy Awards — for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media and Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media.

The awards season reached a historic peak when Sinners received 16 Academy Award nominations, the highest number ever for a single film. Among them were nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress. With this achievement, Sev Ohanian became one of the first Armenian-American producers ever nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture.

“Being nominated for an Oscar still doesn’t feel real,” Ohanian admits. “It feels like it happened to someone else. I remember being a young Armenian-American who dreamed of becoming a filmmaker and feeling like it might not be possible. No matter what happens next, this journey has already given me motivation to keep creating.”

Armenian Identity, Family, and Storytelling

Ohanian has often spoken about how deeply his Armenian identity influences his work. Growing up, he spent countless hours watching films with his father — moments he credits as foundational to his passion for storytelling.

“When I make movies today, I often think about my dad watching them,” he says. “Even during post-production on Sinners, I would ask myself what my dad would think of a scene — not as someone who grew up in America, but as someone who simply wants to be moved by a good story and compelling characters.”

That personal connection became even stronger when Ohanian first read the script for Sinners.

“My immediate reaction was how much I related to this story as an Armenian. Sinners is about people finding joy, love, and celebration despite hardship. That’s something deeply familiar to our history.”

His first conversation with director Ryan Coogler focused on exactly that idea. “We talked about the ending and what it meant to me personally, how I saw my own people in it. That’s Ryan’s gift — he writes something very specific to his own ancestry, yet manages to reveal a shared humanity that everyone can recognize.”

From Armenian Roots to Hollywood Success

As previously discussed in his interview for NEWS.am STYLE’s “Armenians” series, Sev Ohanian was born in Germany in an Armenian family that placed great value on culture, history, and education. They moved to America when he was 4.  His journey into cinema was fueled not by industry connections, but by dedication, persistence, and an unwavering belief in storytelling.

Sev studied at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, where he met three of his most important collaborators: his wife and producing partner Natalie Qasabian, writing partner Aneesh Chaganty, and filmmaker Ryan Coogler․

Ohanian is best known for his long-standing creative partnership with Coogler. Together, they have produced some of the most influential films of the past decade, including: “Fruitvale Station” (2013), “Creed” (2015), “Black Panther” (2018), “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (2022), “Sinners” (2025).

Despite working at the highest level of Hollywood, Ohanian has consistently emphasized his Armenian heritage. “In my office in Burbank, I have the Sinners poster hanging — but it’s the Armenian poster. It’s my way of showing pride in our people.”

What Sinners Is About

Written and directed by Ryan Coogler, Sinners is a supernatural period drama set in the 1930s Mississippi Delta. The film follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack (both portrayed by Michael B. Jordan), World War I veterans who return home hoping to build a joyful gathering place for their community. Their dream turns into a nightmare when a mysterious supernatural force descends upon the town, forcing them and their loved ones to confront both historical trauma and otherworldly evil. The film is produced by Sev Ohanian, Zinzi Coogler and Ryan Coogler.

By Syune Arakelyan

Phoros: Sev Ohanian/Instagram