Michael B. Jordan, the 2026 Actor Awards winner, describes his mother's efforts, via his emotional award speech
Michael B. Jordan is expressing gratitude to a particular saint. The Sinners actor thanked his mother, Donna Jordan, for encouraging him to pursue his acting career despite hardships as he accepted the Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role trophy at the 2026 Actor Awards, which were hosted by Kristen Bell at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on March 1.
“Mom, thank you for driving me back and forth to New York,” Michael looked directly at Donna, who was crying in the audience, and stated, “when we didn't have enough money to go through the Holland Tunnel, when we were looking for gas money, parking spaces, when I went up there for my auditions.”
In addition, the 39-year-old expressed gratitude to his longtime partner Ryan Coogler, who was nominated for an Oscar for writing and directing Sinners.
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“I want to thank Ryan Coogler for giving me the opportunity to show what I can do,” he added, “and to be fearless and to create a safe space for us to find the truth [and for] what you do with all the other actors that we had an opportunity to work with.”
Additionally, Michael thanked his co-stars Miles Caton, Delroy Lindo, Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku, and “everybody that has something to do with this movie.”
“You guys lent us your talents, and you lent us your time and your vulnerability,” he stated. “So, thank you for allowing me to do my best work.”
Michael also expressed gratitude to his fellow candidates Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, and Jesse Plemons, even though he acknowledged that he "wasn't expecting this at all" after winning.
“I just want to quickly say that I'm so honored and privileged to be nominated in categories with people and actors and humans that I love,” he revealed. “I love their work and what you contribute to our craft. This ride has been unbelievable.”
He went on to say, “Thank you for welcoming me in and making me feel seen. YU'all know how I feel about y'all.”
