Hollywood star Michael B. Jordan has claimed his first Academy Award, winning Best Actor for his performance in the political thriller Sinners at this year’s Oscars. The film itself dominated the ceremony, also taking home Best Picture and six awards in total.
Jordan, who played twin brothers whose dream of opening a music venue in 1930s Mississippi is derailed by a sinister force, beat out a competitive field that included Timothée Chalamet. In his acceptance speech, Jordan thanked Sinners director Ryan Coogler, calling him both a collaborator and a friend.
“I’m so honoured to call you a collaborator and a friend. You gave me the opportunity and the space to be seen,” Jordan said.
The actor also paid tribute to the trailblazers who came before him, acknowledging all six previous Black winners in the lead acting categories: Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, and Will Smith. “I stand here because of the people who came before me,” Jordan said. “I feel it, I know you guys want me to do well, and I want to do that, because you guys bet on me.”
Jordan’s win comes amid a sweeping night for Sinners, which marked director Paul Thomas Anderson’s first Oscars for Best Director and Best Picture. The ceremony also celebrated Irish actress Jessie Buckley, who won Best Actress for her role in Hamnet.
With this milestone, Michael B. Jordan cements his place among Hollywood’s leading actors, joining the ranks of the iconic performers he honored in his speech.
