Michael B. Jordan has cemented his status as a Hollywood titan, securing the Best Actor trophy at the 98th Academy Awards. In a landmark achievement, Jordan became the first performer in Oscar history to win for portraying twins, starring as Elijah and Elias Moore in Ryan Coogler’s genre-bending epic, Sinners.
The victory marks Jordan’s first Academy Award following a dominant awards season. To claim the title, he triumphed over a formidable field of nominees, including Timothée Chalamet, Ethan Hawke and Leonardo DiCaprio.
At 39, Jordan’s win is a significant cultural milestone. He is now only the sixth Black performer to win the Best Actor Oscar, joining the prestigious ranks of Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker and Will Smith.
During his acceptance speech, Jordan delivered a poised and heartfelt tribute to his long-term collaborator, Ryan Coogler.
“I’m so honoured to call you a collaborator and a friend,” Jordan told the director. “Thank you for giving me the opportunity and space to be seen.”
The win recognises the immense technical and emotional range required to play identical twins with distinct personalities. Critics have hailed Jordan’s dual performance as a masterclass in versatility, noting that Sinners relied heavily on his ability to anchor two separate character arcs simultaneously.
Closing his speech with a nod to the industry’s support, Jordan promised to continue evolving. “Thank you for betting on me,” he said. “I’m going to keep stepping up and being the best version of myself I can be.”
With a SAG Award already under his belt this season, 2026 has officially become the year of Michael B. Jordan.
Here is the full list of winners:
Best Picture
One Battle After Another
Best Actress
Jessie Buckley, Hamnet
Best Actor
Michael B Jordan, Sinners
Best Supporting Actress
Amy Madigan, Weapons
Best Supporting Actor
Sean Penn, One Battle After Another
Best director
Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another
Best Original Score
Ludwig Göransson, Sinners
Best Animated Film
KPop Demon Hunters
Best International Feature
Sentimental Value
Best Documentary Feature
Mr Nobody Against Putin
Best Casting
Cassandra Kulukundis, One Battle After Another
Best Sound
Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A Rizzo and Juan Peralta, F1
Best Original Screenplay
Ryan Coogler, Sinners
Best Adapted Screenplay
Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another
Best Documentary Short
All the Empty Rooms
Best Live Action Short Film
The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva (tie)
Best animated short film
The Girl Who Cried Pearls
Best Music (Original Song):
EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo and Teddy Park for Golden, KPop Demon Hunters
Best Film Editing:
Andy Jurgensen, One Battle After Another
Best Cinematography:
Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Sinners
Best Production Design:
Tamara Deverell and Shane Vieau, Frankenstein
Best Costume Design
Kate Hawley, Frankenstein
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel and Cliona Furey, Frankenstein
Best Visual Effects
Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon and Daniel Barrett, Avatar: Fire and Ash
