Actor Michael B. Jordan secured his first Academy Award after winning Best Actor at the 98th Academy Awards for his performance in the film Sinners. The ceremony took place at the Dolby Theatre and featured one of the most closely watched Best Actor races in recent years. Jordan emerged victorious from a competitive lineup of nominees that included Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme, Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon and Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another.
Jordan appeared visibly emotional when he stepped on stage to accept the award. Opening his speech with the words “God is good,” he repeated the phrase as he took a moment to absorb the significance of the moment. The actor then turned his attention to his family, especially his mother, who was seated in the audience with him during the ceremony. Jordan thanked her and acknowledged the rest of his family members who had attended the event, expressing appreciation for their continued support throughout his career.
The actor also paid tribute to filmmaker Ryan Coogler, who wrote and directed Sinners. Jordan and Coogler have worked together multiple times over the years, forming one of Hollywood’s most successful actor-director partnerships. During his speech, Jordan described Coogler as both a collaborator and a friend, thanking him for giving him opportunities and creating space for him to be seen as a performer. He emphasised how meaningful their professional relationship had been and said he was honoured to continue working with him on projects that challenge and expand his abilities as an actor.
Jordan’s victory also placed him among a relatively small group of Black actors who have won the Best Actor Oscar. His win makes him the sixth Black performer to receive the honour, joining notable names such as Forest Whitaker, who won for The Last King of Scotland in 2007; Denzel Washington for Training Day in 2002; and Sidney Poitier for Lilies of the Field in 1964. Other winners in the category include Jamie Foxx and Will Smith. During his speech, Jordan acknowledged these predecessors and recognised the impact they had in paving the way for future generations of actors.
He also thanked audiences and supporters who have followed his career over the years. Addressing viewers both inside the theatre and watching from home, Jordan said he appreciated the confidence people had shown in him and that their belief motivated him to continue pushing himself creatively. The actor added that he hoped to keep growing in his work and promised to keep striving to be the best version of himself as his career evolves.
Beautiful moment. #Oscars #MichaelBJordon #BestActor https://t.co/Xvf7r65exb
— Tru McCormick (@TruMchugh) March 16, 2026
In Sinners, Jordan plays identical twin brothers Elijah “Smoke” Moore and Elias “Stack” Moore. The dual role required him to portray two distinct personalities while maintaining the emotional complexity of the story. The performance was widely praised for the way Jordan balanced the similarities and differences between the two characters, bringing depth to both roles while maintaining the narrative tension of the film. His achievement also made him the first actor to win the Best Actor Oscar for playing twin characters in the same film.
The film was written and directed by Coogler, continuing a creative partnership that has produced several notable projects in the past. Over the years, Jordan has collaborated with Coogler on multiple films, building a reputation for performances that combine emotional intensity with strong screen presence. Their collaboration on Sinners once again drew critical attention during the awards season.
Jordan entered the Oscars with considerable momentum after a strong showing throughout the awards circuit. He received nominations at major ceremonies including the BAFTA Awards, the Golden Globe Awards and the Critics’ Choice Awards. His victory at the Screen Actors Guild Awards on March 1 proved particularly significant. Many industry observers believed the win gave Jordan a decisive advantage during the final phase of Oscar voting.
By the time ballots closed, Jordan had emerged as one of the strongest contenders in the race. His eventual win at the Academy Awards confirmed the momentum he had built throughout the season and marked a major milestone in his career. With his first Oscar now secured, the actor’s performance in Sinners has become one of the defining achievements of the 2026 awards season.
