Michael B. Jordan wins Best Actor at 2026 Academy Awards and gives poignant speech

Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor at the 2026 Academy Awards for his dual roles in Sinners and used his speech to thank director Ryan Coogler, co-stars, and the Black actors who preceded him.

Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor in a Leading Role at the 2026 Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. He received a standing ovation after Adrien Brody presented the award. Jordan was recognized for Sinners, in which he plays twin brothers Elijah "Smoke" and Elias "Stack" Moore. In his acceptance remarks he thanked director Ryan Coogler and named several past Black Oscar winners as influences. Key details: - Adrien Brody, a previous Best Actor winner, presented the Oscar to Jordan. - Jordan identified his roles in Sinners as twin brothers Elijah "Smoke" and Elias "Stack" Moore. - He thanked director Ryan Coogler and several co-stars, including Wunmi Mosaku, Hailee Steinfeld, and Delroy Lindo. - Ryan Coogler also won Best Original Screenplay for Sinners at the same ceremony. - Jordan listed earlier Black Oscar winners such as Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, and Will Smith when acknowledging those who paved the way. - Autumn Durald Arkapaw won Best Cinematography for Sinners, reported as the first woman to receive that prize. Summary: The ceremony recognized Sinners across multiple categories, with Michael B. Jordan taking Best Actor and Ryan Coogler winning Best Original Screenplay. Autumn Durald Arkapaw's win in cinematography was reported as a first for a woman in that category. Undetermined at this time.