Michael B. Jordan has capped off a stellar awards season by adding his first-ever Academy Award to an already impressive list of achievements. On Sunday night, March 15, the Newark, New Jersey, native took home the Oscar for Best Actor for his performance as twin brothers Smoke and Stack in “Sinners.”
As Jordan’s name was announced, the audience rose to their feet, giving him a well-deserved standing ovation for his dual role in the cultural vampire thriller directed by Ryan Coogler.
Michael B. Jordan Names Hollywood Icons
GettyDuring his emotional acceptance speech, Jordan paid tribute to the Black Hollywood trailblazers who paved the way for his historic win.
“I stand here because of the people who came before me: Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, Will Smith,” the 39-year-old said, naming the only other Black performers who have won Best Actor or Actress at the ceremony.
“To be amongst those giants, amongst those greats, amongst my ancestors, amongst my gods.”
His On-Screen Career Began in a Soap Opera
GettyJordan’s acting career began more than two decades ago with a role on the soap opera “All My Children,” but one of his earliest breakout performances came as Wallace on the 2002 acclaimed HBO drama “The Wire.”
His career reached another turning point with 2013’s “Fruitvale Station” where he emulated the late Oscar Grant, showcasing his powerful presence on the big screen. Jordan later went on to star in major box office hits including the “Creed” and “Black Panther” films — before delivering what many consider his most transformative performance yet in “Sinners.”
With 16 nominations — the most ever received by a single film — “Sinners” made history at the 98th Academy Awards. The movie took home four Oscars including Best Actor (Jordan), Best Cinematography (Autumn Durald Arkapaw), Best Original Score (Ludwig Göransson) and Best Original Screenplay (Coogler).
MBJ Thanks Supporters for Success of ‘Sinners’
The coveted actor made sure to thank his loyal fans and supporters who have followed his journey throughout the years in his closing. “Thank you to everybody in this room and everyone at home for supporting me over my career. I feel it,” he said. “I know you guys want me to do well. Thank you for betting on me.”
“I’m going to keep stepping up. I’m going to keep being the best version of myself I can be,” he continued. “To everybody in this room who had something to do with my success, I love you. And to everybody at home who supported ‘Sinners’ and went to see the movie once, twice, three, four, or five times — thank you, because you made this movie what it is. I love you.”
