Michael B. Jordan Wins First Oscar for Best Actor for ‘Sinners’

Michael B. Jordan has secured his first-ever Academy Award, winning Best Actor at the 98th Oscars for his role in Sinners.

Jordan earned the honour for his performance as twin brothers, Elijah “Smoke” and Elias “Stack” Moore, in the supernatural horror film set in 1930s Mississippi. Taking on both roles in the same film, he becomes the first actor to win an Oscar for portraying twins on screen.

He triumphed over strong competition, including Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), and Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another).

Sinners, written and directed by Ryan Coogler, led the nominations with 16 and went on to win four awards, including Best Original Screenplay and Best Cinematography. Cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw also made history as the first woman to win in the cinematography category.

In an emotional acceptance speech, Jordan expressed gratitude, beginning with the words, “God is good.” He acknowledged his mother and family members in attendance and paid tribute to Coogler, highlighting their long-standing collaboration.

The actor and director first worked together on Fruitvale Station (2013), where Jordan portrayed Oscar Grant. They later reunited for the Black Panther films before collaborating again on Sinners.

“I am honoured to call you a collaborator and a friend,” Jordan said, thanking Coogler for helping create opportunities that elevated his career.

At 39, Jordan joins a select group of Black actors who have won Best Actor, alongside Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, and Will Smith—all of whom he acknowledged during his speech.

Meanwhile, Halle Berry remains the only Black woman to have won the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Earlier in the evening, Sinners also took home Best Original Screenplay, marking just the second time a Black writer has won in that category, following Jordan Peele for Get Out (2017).