‘Among my ancestors’: Michael B Jordan pays tribute to Black acting Oscar legends after bagging Best Actor Award

Hollywood loves a comeback story, and this one felt electric. Michael B Jordan has finally won his first Oscar, and the crowd could feel how much it meant to him. The actor took home the Best Lead Actor trophy for playing twin brothers in the supernatural thriller ‘Sinners’. It was a big night, and Jordan did not hold back his emotions.

A win years in the making

Jordan won the lead actor award for his powerful double role as Smoke and Stack, identical twins in the 1930s-set film. In his speech, he said he stood there because of the people who came before him.

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He gave a special shout-out to the five previous Black acting Oscar winners: Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, and Will Smith.

Also Read: Oscars 2026: Full list of winners at the 98th Academy Awards

He called them giants and said it was an honor to be counted among them.

Jordan also thanked everyone who supported his career, both in the room and at home. He said people have “bet” on him over the years, and he feels that trust. He promised to keep improving and to keep becoming the best version of himself.

A tough race with big names

This win did not come easily. Jordan was up against strong competition: Timothée Chalamet for “Marty Supreme,” Leonardo DiCaprio for “One Battle After Another,” Ethan Hawke for “Blue Moon,” and Wagner Moura for “The Secret Agent.”

Before Oscar night, Jordan had mixed results during awards season. He lost the BAFTA to Robert Aramayo for “I Swear.” He also lost the Golden Globe to Moura and the Critics’ Choice Award to Chalamet.

However, he gained momentum after winning at the Actor Awards, previously known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards. That victory helped him become the late favorite in the Oscar race.