Cheers are definitely in order for Michael B. Jordan. The Hollywood heavyweight delivered a major upset at the 2026 Actor Awards formerly known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards instantly boosting his Oscars momentum in the final stretch of awards season.
Jordan claimed Best Actor for his chilling performance in the vampire thriller Sinners, which also dominated the evening with the coveted Best Ensemble Cast honor. Clearly, it was Sinners’ night.
“I don’t even know where to begin I wasn’t expecting this at all,” Jordan shared in his heartfelt speech, adding that he felt “so honored and privileged” just to be nominated.
The film’s wins arrived just one week after the BAFTA Film Awards, where Jordan and co-star Delroy Lindo were widely praised for their grace under pressure when Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson unexpectedly shouted a racial slur during their time on stage.
The night also celebrated standout victories from Sean Penn (One Battle After Another), Jessie Buckley (Hamnet), a surprise supporting actress win for Amy Madigan (Weapons), and a posthumous honor for Catherine O’Hara (The Studio).
In one of the evening’s most touching moments, Jordan paid tribute to his mother, Donna, who has been by his side throughout awards season. Reflecting on the early days of his career, he thanked her for the sacrifices she made to support his dreams.
“Mom, thank you for driving me back and forth to New York when we didn’t have enough money to go through the Harlem tunnel when we were looking for gas money, parking spaces,” he said, visibly emotional.
He also showed love to Sinners director Ryan Coogler and the entire cast and crew. “Everybody that had something to do with this movie you gave us your time, your talents, your vulnerability, and allowed me to do my best work,” Jordan said.
From surprise victory to emotional tributes, it was a powerful, full-circle moment for one of Hollywood’s leading men.
Donna Jordan and Michael B. Jordan
Jun Li, Omar Benson Miller, Wunmi Mosaku, Delroy Lindo, Michael B. Jordan, Jack O’Connell, Jayme Lawson, Miles Caton, Lola Kirke and Francine Maisler
Photos by Lisa O’Connor/Shutterstock
