Michael B. Jordan won the Best Actor award at the 98th Academy Awards for his performance in the film Sinners.
The 39-year-old actor secured his first Oscar after beating a strong field of nominees, including Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme, Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon, Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another, and Wagner Moura for The Secret Agent.
Speaking on stage after receiving the award, Jordan thanked his family and supporters.
“God is good,” he said during his acceptance speech before acknowledging his mother, who was seated with him at the ceremony.
Jordan also praised director Ryan Coogler, who wrote and directed the film.
“I’m so honoured to call you a collaborator and a friend. Thank you for giving me the opportunity and space for me to be seen,” he said.
The film marks the fifth collaboration between Jordan and Coogler.
In Sinners, Jordan plays identical twin brothers Elijah “Smoke” Moore and Elias “Stack” Moore. His performance makes him the first actor to win the Best Actor Oscar for portraying twin characters in a single film.
The victory also places Jordan among a small group of Black actors who have won the Best Actor award at the Oscars. Previous winners include Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker and Will Smith.
During his speech, Jordan recognised those who had won before him and thanked audiences for supporting his career.
“I know you want me to do well, and I want to do that because you believed in me,” he said.
Jordan ended his remarks with a promise to keep improving as an actor.
“I’ll keep stepping up and keep being the best version of myself I can be,” he added.
The award capped a strong awards season for the actor, who had already received nominations from the BAFTA Awards, Golden Globe Awards and Critics’ Choice Awards before securing the Oscar win.
