The first person Michael B. Jordan called when he learned of his Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his dual work in Sinners? “I opened my eyes, and I talked to my mom. She held back the tears for as long as she could,” the actor shared with EBONY about his mom Donna Jordan after the 98th Academy Award nominations were announced on January 22.
“It was a good call. We had that moment. With all that she’s poured into this, it’s as much hers as it is mine.”
With Jordan nominated for just about every award possible this season, it’s a conversation he’s been having with her on the regular. And rightfully so. He shines in his dual role as twin brothers Smoke and Stack, who battle the supernatural on an eventful night in the Jim Crow South.
Jordan’s the first to admit that he wasn’t zoned in on winning awards when he took on this life-affirming role. “I can’t even pretend that I thought of it like that,” he shared. “When you’re focused on the work and what’s in front of you, you’re doing the best job you can at portraying and telling the story.”
His thoughts shifted as the movie became a cultural touchstone with its release. “Conversations around the movie started, and I saw people taking things from the film that weren’t necessarily what we intended in the moment, but this is what this person, this audience member, was taking from it, the perspective they brought to the theater. When the audience takes ownership of the narrative and the conversation, it becomes, ‘Oh, wow, okay.’ It just grows, and it takes a life on its own. And I’ve been on the ride ever since.”
Thinking back to when he started his career at age 12 with guest roles after modeling, the path he’s taken and the advice he would have given his younger self haven’t changed. “Keep dreaming and run your race,” he declared. “Everything in your own time. Just be patient and always focus on the work. Continue to be kind to people and lead with love, and the work and everything else is gonna work itself out.”
Having Sinners recognized by his Hollywood peers is a moment, but Jordan is even more excited over what recognition like this can do for other Black filmmakers. “I think this is gonna open up the doors to get more support for their big swings,” he stated. “It’s going inspire filmmakers and artists from all walks of life, in different genres, to bet on themselves: bet on that weird thing or that project that might be a little off center, whatever it is that makes it unique and special to go for it.”
Jordan has thrown his full support behind the next wave of on‑screen talent—like his rising co‑star Miles Caton—while also celebrating the veterans who are finally getting their due. That includes his co‑star Delroy Lindo, newly nominated for Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role. “Man, I’m so happy for him. What an incredible career and Wunmi Mosaku,” he gushed. His onscreen love interest is nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role.
“Everyone in this movie and everybody who’s been nominated, I know personally how much they poured into this project and where they sacrificed to get it done. For them to be acknowledged … I don’t have any kids, but the feeling of unconditional love and full-blown support, it makes me happy to see them win.”
Jordan already knows he’s taking his mom with him to the awards, “Was it obvious?” he chuckled. But the outfit he’ll wear is gonna take a little more thought. “I’m trying to figure out right now what shoes I’m wearing to go to the Oscars,” he exclaimed.
Hopefully, they’re comfortable enough for a walk to the stage.
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, March 15, at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and streamed live on Hulu.