By Alexis Taylor
AFRO Managing Editor
Standing on the Dolby Theatre stage before his mother, father and all of Hollywood, actor Michael B. Jordan accepted the Oscar award for Best Actor in a Leading Role inside of the Dolby Theatre on March 15.
“God is good,” said Jordan, before acknowledging his parents, siblings and the people who made the 2025 hit film, “Sinners,” a success.
Jordan thanked “Sinners” director Ryan Coogler, whom he called “a collaborator and a friend” that gave him “the opportunity and space” to expose his talent to the world. He also highlighted the Black performers who paved the way.
“I stand here because of the people who came before me, Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker and Will Smith,” said Jordan. “I’m going to keep stepping up and I’m going to keep being the best version of myself I can be.”
Jordan thanked the fans who “went to go see the movie once, twice, three, four, five times.”
“You guys made this movie what it is,” he said. “I love you.”
The Sunday night win marked Jordan’s first Oscar award, off of his very first nomination. Jordan cut his teeth as an actor in Baltimore on the HBO cult classic series, “The Wire.” Since his time on the show as “Wallace,” Jordan has made a name for himself in several pivotal roles. His resume includes the television series “Friday Night Lights,” and the films “Black Panther” and “Creed.” Now, Jordan is an Oscar award winning actor for his work in crafting the characters, “Smoke” and “Stack.” The twin brothers, both played by Jordan, pushed “Sinners” to blockbuster status.
Jordan and Coogler first gained attention as a creative team in 2013 on “Fruitvale Station,” Coogler’s 2013 film based on the last day of the life of Oscar Grant, a California man killed by Bay Area Rapid Transit Police Officer Johannes Mehserle on Jan. 1, 2009.
After Fruitvale Station, the two continued their creative relationship and have collaborated on a total of five films: Fruitvale Station (2013); Creed (2015); Black Panther (2018); Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) and Sinners (2025).
Aside from Jordan, other members of the “Sinners” team arrived to the awards ceremony as staunch competition for the cast and crew of other top films, including “One Battle After Another” and “Frankenstein.”
Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as the first woman to take home the Best Cinematography award. Coogler took home the award for Best Original Screenplay, and Ludwig Goransson was recognized with a win for Best Original Score.
