Michael B. Jordan delivered an emotional tribute to his mother during Sunday’s Actor Awards ceremony after winning Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for Sinners.
The 39-year-old actor broke down while discussing how his mother’s sacrifices made his Hollywood dreams possible. Jordan’s victory came after beating Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Jesse Plemons and Timothee Chalamet in the competitive leading actor category. The Sinners star admitted he never expected to win against such established talent. During his emotional speech, Jordan specifically thanked his mother for the financial struggles she endured to support his acting ambitions.
The actor also praised Sinners director Ryan Coogler for creating the right environment for his performance. Jordan’s win comes after a controversial moment at the recent BAFTAs ceremony, where Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson involuntarily used a racial slur while Jordan and co-star Delroy Lindo were on stage. Jordan, who stars as twins in Ryan Coogler’s Warner Bros. film, hugged his mother and took to the stage to accept the award.
“I wasn’t expecting that. I’m so honored and privileged to be nominated in categories with people and actors and humans that I love, and I love their work and what they contribute to our craft and this rise has been unbelievable. So, thank you for welcoming me in and making me feel seen.”