Ryan Coogler Named Creative of the Year as Creative Collective NYC Celebrates 83 Black Innovators

Sinners director, Ryan Coogler has joined the elite roster of culture shifters honored by the Harlem born ognzanization thats redefining what creative leadership should look like. 

Ryan Coogler’s fingerprints are all over modern cinema. From revolutionizing the superhero genre with “Black Panther” to building Proximity Media into a powerhouse production company, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker has consistently operated at the intersection of artistic excellence and cultural transformation. Now, the Creative Collective NYC has recognized that impact by naming him their 2026 Creative of the Year.

But Coogler isn’t alone in this spotlight. He leads a remarkable Creative Class of 83 Black trailblazers who are reshaping industries from fashion and music to tech, social justice, and beyond. This year’s theme, “the power of process,” underscores a crucial truth: sustainable innovation isn’t about overnight success, it’s about the deliberate, intentional work of building something that lasts.

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Historic Nods and Global Success

Coogler’s latest film, “Sinners“, a period vampire thriller starring his frequent collaborator Michael B. Jordan, is performing well. Moreover, it’s rewriting the rules. The film has pulled in $368 million at the global box office and earned a historic 16 Academy Award nominations, the most ever for a single film. The win isn’t just for Coogler or Proximity Media, it’s a statement about what happens when Black creatives maintain ownership and creative control over their work.

“Ryan Coogler is a masterclass of what’s possible when innovation meets intention,” said Imani Ellis, CEO and founder of the Creative Collective and CultureCon, telling Variety. “Sinners’ record-breaking Oscar nominations only add to his undeniable impact as a filmmaker and world-builder. We’re honored to name Ryan our 2026 Creative of the Year and are endlessly inspired by his storytelling rooted in culture, driven by humanity, and anchored by vision.”

The Creative Collective NYC

Founded by Ellis in Harlem in 2017, the organization has evolved into a critical platform. IT is celebrating Black creativity and entrepreneurship at scale.

Previous honorees include the who’s who of contemporary innovation. These include journalist and CNN anchor Abby Phillip, who’s redefining political media. Moreover, there are Black in Fashion Council co-founders Lindsey Peoples and Sandrine Charles. They are driving systemic change in an industry notoriously resistant to it. Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, the immunologist whose work was instrumental in developing the COVID-19 vaccine. Activist and educator Brittany Packnett Cunningham, who continues to bridge the gap between grassroots organizing and institutional change.

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Coogler follows Grammy-winning rapper Doechii as the second individual to receive the Creative of the Year title. It is a designation that recognizes not just talent but tangible impact on culture and industry.

Why This Matters for the Broader Tech and Innovation Ecosystem

The Creative Collective’s 2026 class isn’t just about celebrating individual achievement. It’s about mapping the architecture of cultural and economic power in real-time. These aren’t just creatives as well. They’re founders, executives, and movement builders who understand that ownership and equity are as important as talent and vision.

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“The Creative Class celebrates the people whose dedication to their craft, their communities, and the futures they’re building remains unwavering,” Ellis added. “The continued growth of this list proves what happens when Black creatives are given the space and opportunity to thrive. I am deeply proud of the 2026 Creative Class.”

In this era, AI, streaming platforms, and social media have democratized content creation while simultaneously concentrating wealth and power. The leaders recognized by the Creative Collective represent a different model. One where community accountability, cultural authenticity, and long-term institution-building take precedence over viral moments and quick exits.