Michael B. Jordan has admitted he is struggling to find the words after his latest film, Sinners, shattered Academy Award records with a staggering 16 nominations, according to hollywoodreporter.com.
The 38-year-old actor, a household name since his breakout roles in The Wire and Friday Night Lights, reached a major personal milestone with his first-ever Oscar nomination. Recognised for his complex dual performance in the supernatural thriller, Jordan described the nod as a “solidifying feeling”.
The film’s 16 nominations mark the highest total for any single movie in the history of the Oscars. Frequent collaborator Ryan Coogler also secured personal nominations for directing, writing and producing.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Jordan revealed he opted for a lie-in rather than watching the early morning announcements.
“I’m in the edit right now [on The Thomas Crown Affair], so I wanted to wake up to whatever I was going to wake up to, and that was a lot of love,” he said. “To be acknowledged in this way is truly an honour. It’s crazy.”
When asked about the film’s record-breaking haul, Jordan attributed the success to the audience’s emotional connection with the story. “It’s a testament to the film as a whole. It’s hard to put into words right now.”
Despite the Hollywood glamour, Jordan’s first phone call was closer to home. “My mum was my first call,” he shared. “A lot of tears. She’s the reason I’m in this industry, so to talk to the woman who started it all meant the world.”
The actor also expressed immense pride for his co-stars, Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo, both of whom also secured their first career nominations.
Jordan believes the success of Sinners reflects a broader resurgence of the theatrical experience.
“It’s a great year for people bouncing back to theatres,” he noted. “When artists are given the space and support, they can deliver cinematic experiences that bring people back to the cinema. To contribute to that movement feels great.”
Despite the historic news, Jordan isn’t heading to a star-studded party just yet. “I’m going right to the edit suite,” he laughed. “I’ll take some time tonight to reflect. There will be signs of celebration, though.”
