Michael B. Jordan Wins First Best Actor Oscar for “Sinners”

By Blessing Nweke

Michael B. Jordan won his first Academy Award on Sunday night, taking home the Best Actor prize for his powerful dual performance in Sinners at the 98th Academy Awards.

Jordan portrayed twin brothers Smoke and Stack in the action-thriller set in 1930s Mississippi during the Jim Crow era. The film, directed by longtime collaborator Ryan Coogler, was both a box office hit and a major favorite among Oscar voters. “Sinners” ended the night with four awards, including Best Original Screenplay for Coogler. However, the Best Picture trophy went to another Warner Bros. film, One Battle After Another.

Jordan received a standing ovation as he walked on stage to accept the award, beginning his speech by thanking his parents. He noted that his father had traveled from Ghana to attend the ceremony. Jordan also praised Coogler, calling him both a collaborator and a friend.

“Thank you for giving me an opportunity and space for me to be seen,” Jordan said. “I love you too, bro.”

He also expressed gratitude to Warner Bros. studio leadership for supporting the film’s vision and for investing in original storytelling.

Jordan triumphed in a highly competitive category, beating fellow nominees Timothée Chalamet for “Marty Supreme,” Leonardo DiCaprio for “One Battle After Another,” Ethan Hawke for “Blue Moon,” and Wagner Moura for “The Secret Agent.” Each contender had been considered a strong candidate throughout the awards season.

Jordan also paid tribute to trailblazing Black actors who paved the way for him, including Jamie Foxx, Will Smith, Sidney Poitier and Halle Berry.

Jordan first gained recognition on the HBO series The Wire and later appeared in Friday Night Lights. His breakout film role came in Fruitvale Station, also directed by Coogler, before achieving global fame with Black Panther and its sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. He also leads the popular Creed franchise.

“This moment belongs to the people who came before me,” Jordan said. “Thank you for believing in me and supporting my journey.”