The Breakout Star of ‘Sinners’ Started His Journey With a Blues Playlist from Ryan Coogler

March 18, 2026

Miles Caton, a 21-year-old Brooklyn native, made his film debut as Sammie "Preacher Boy" Moore in the heavily-nominated movie "Sinners," directed by Ryan Coogler. The blues-centered film, which received a record 16 Oscar nominations, follows Caton's character as he abandons his preacher father's path to pursue blues music alongside his cousins played by Michael B. Jordan.

Who is affected

Miles Caton (actor playing Sammie "Preacher Boy" Moore)
Ryan Coogler (film director)
Michael B. Jordan (actor playing dual roles as Smoke and Stack)
Ludwig Göransson (composer/score producer)
Alice Smith (Grammy-nominated recording artist who co-wrote a song for the film)
Raphael Saadiq (songwriter collaborating on the Oscars performance)
Warner Bros. Pictures (producer and distributor)
Audiences and the film industry observing the record-breaking nominations

What action is being taken

Miles Caton is preparing to perform "I Lied To You" at the Oscars this weekend alongside Raphael Saadiq and other "Sinners" music collaborators
CNN is streaming a FlashDoc documentary titled "Hollywood and the Oscars: Still Golden?" exploring the Academy Awards' relevance

Why it matters

"Sinners" represents a historic achievement as the most-nominated film in Oscars history with 16 nominations, signaling recognition for a film centered on African American culture and blues music heritage. The film's success demonstrates the industry's evolving appreciation for diverse storytelling that honors the Mississippi Delta's role as the birthplace of blues while launching the career of a young Black actor who successfully transitioned from viral music performances to major film acting. The movie's extensive awards recognition across multiple prestigious ceremonies (Golden Globes, BAFTAs, NAACP Image Awards) indicates its broad cultural and artistic impact.

What's next

Miles Caton will perform "I Lied To You" at the Oscars this weekend alongside Raphael Saadiq and other collaborators
CNN's FlashDoc "Hollywood and the Oscars: Still Golden?" will premiere on Saturday, March 14 at 10pm ET on CNN

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint