Photo Credit:Rich Polk
Michael B. Jordan delivered an emotional acceptance speech after winning the Academy Award for Best Actor at the 2026 Oscars, celebrating the artists and supporters who helped shape his journey.↳
The 39-year-old star earned the honor for his performance as twin brothers Smoke and Stack in the film Sinners, a project directed by
longtime collaborator Ryan Coogler.↳
During the ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Jordan began by thanking his family and the creative team behind the film, calling the
moment “surreal” and deeply humbling.
He also gave special recognition to his costars Wunmi Mosaku and Hailee Steinfeld, praising their performances and the energy they brought to the story.
“Wunmi, thank you for helping Smoke become who he needed to be,” Jordan said. He added that Steinfeld, who was at home preparing to welcome her baby, remained an essential part of the film’s heart.↳
Jordan then reflected on the legacy of Black actors who won lead acting Oscars before him, including Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker and Will Smith.↳
“I stand here because of the people who came before me,” he said, explaining that their achievements made his own success possible.
The win marked Jordan’s first Oscar nomination and victory, placing him among a competitive group of nominees that included Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Timothée Chalamet and Wagner Moura.
Earlier in the awards season, Chalamet appeared to be a strong contender after winning at several major ceremonies, but Jordan’s performance ultimately captured the Academy’s top acting prize.↳
Closing his speech, the actor thanked fans and colleagues who supported him throughout his career.
“Everybody in this room and everybody watching at home, thank you for
believing in me,” Jordan said. “I feel that support, and it pushes
me to keep growing, keep working harder and keep proving you right.”
The victory adds another milestone to Jordan’s career, which includes
acclaimed roles in Fruitvale Station, Creed and Black Panther, and
further cements his place among Hollywood’s leading performers.
