Watch Michael B. Jordan’s Surprise Actor Award Win: ‘Thank You for Making Me Feel Seen’

Rolling Stone

by Emily Zemler

March 2, 2026

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Michael B. Jordan won the Actor Award for best male performance in a leading role at the Actor Awards on Sunday night, beating nominees Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio. The victory was announced by Viola Davis, who expressed her excitement. Dressed in a sharp suit, Jordan accepted the award with gratitude, hugging his co-star Delroy Lindo and his mother. He reflected on his journey, recalling how he desperately wanted to join SAG-AFTRA early in his career and admired the actors in that union. “That kid from North Jersey is standing here right now,” he said, expressing pride in his roots. Jordan thanked his mom for her unwavering support during his early days as an actor, including driving him to auditions in New York City when funds were tight. He also praised Ryan Coogler, the director of *Sinners*, for creating a safe space for him and his co-stars to do their best work. Jordan’s win was followed by another accolade for *Sinners* later that evening, which Lindo accepted on behalf of the cast. This marks the second time one of Coogler’s films has been honored, following Black Panther’s recognition in 2019. The article also highlights the recent controversy involving Jordan and Lindo at the BAFTA Awards, where they faced a racial slur shouted by an activist with Tourette’s syndrome. Despite this incident, their resilience and continued success have shown strength and unity. Lindo addressed the situation publicly at the NAACP Image Awards, expressing gratitude for the support they’ve received. Jordan’s heartfelt speech and his wins underscore the importance of perseverance, family, and community in overcoming challenges. His story resonates culturally by illustrating how far talent, hard work, and determination can take an individual from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of their craft.

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Originally published on Rolling Stone on 3/2/2026