Michael B. Jordan Wins First Oscar for ‘Sinners’

Michael B. Jordan secured his first Academy Award on Sunday, March 15, 2026, winning Best Actor for his performance in Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners.” The 98th Academy Awards saw Jordan triumph over a competitive field that included Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio .

A Groundbreaking Win

Jordan’s win marks a significant moment, making him the sixth Black actor to receive the Best Actor accolade. He joins Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Will Smith and Forest Whitaker in this distinguished group .

‘Sinners’ and Coogler’s Vision

“Sinners” is a horror film where Jordan portrays twin gangsters confronting a group of vampires. During his acceptance speech, Jordan expressed deep gratitude for director Ryan Coogler, describing him as an “amazing person” and acknowledging the opportunity Coogler provided him to be “seen” .

Honoring the Past

Jordan also paid tribute to the Black actors who paved the way for him, mentioning Halle Berry, Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, and others. He stated, “I stand here because of the people who came before me,” and expressed his gratitude for the support he’s received throughout his career .

Family Support

The actor extended his thanks to his family, including his mother, who has accompanied him to numerous awards shows this season, and his father, who traveled from Ghana to attend the ceremony. He also acknowledged his brother and sister .

Looking Ahead

Jordan concluded his speech with a commitment to continued growth and self-improvement, stating he would “keep stepping up, and I’m going to keep being the best version of myself I can be” .

Other Oscar Highlights

The 98th Academy Awards also saw Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” crowned Best Picture, with Jessie Buckley winning Best Actress for “Hamnet” . Ryan Coogler also won the award for writing (original screenplay) for “Sinners” .