On a night when Hollywood’s brightest stars gathered under the dazzling lights of Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre, it was Michael B. Jordan who took center stage, making history at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026. Jordan clinched the Oscar for Best Actor for his dual roles as twins Stack and Smoke in the supernatural thriller “Sinners,” directed by Oakland’s own Ryan Coogler. The win, which many considered an upset over frontrunner Timothée Chalamet, was met with thunderous applause and more than a few misty eyes in the audience.
"God is good," Jordan declared as he accepted the golden statuette, his voice filled with emotion. He went on to thank Coogler for his vision and for "betting on the culture," adding, "You’re an amazing, amazing person. I’m so honored to call you a collaborator and a friend, and you gave me an opportunity and space for me to be seen. Love you too, bro. Love you to death." According to The Oaklandside, Jordan’s heartfelt speech also paid tribute to the trailblazers who came before him—Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, and Will Smith—making him only the sixth Black actor to win Best Actor at the Oscars. He also acknowledged Halle Berry, still the sole Black woman to win Best Actress, calling this group of predecessors "giants."
Jordan’s journey to Oscar gold was years in the making. His career, which includes starring roles in blockbuster franchises like Black Panther and Creed, has evolved dramatically. But it was “Sinners”—a horror film set in the 1932 Mississippi Delta, exploring Black culture and survival in the Jim Crow South—that truly showcased his range. The film’s emotional core, anchored by Jordan’s nuanced dual performance, drew widespread critical acclaim throughout the awards season. The momentum built steadily, especially after his surprise victory at the 2026 Actor Awards, where he edged out formidable contenders such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Wagner Moura, and Chalamet himself.
As reported by E! News, Jordan expressed deep gratitude to his family and supporters during his acceptance, singling out his father, who traveled from Ghana to witness the milestone. "Y'all know how I feel about my mother, and my father's here. My dad came in from Ghana to be here." He also thanked the entire cast and crew, describing the film set as "a family environment" where everyone was "collectively doing the work together and everybody’s vibing off one another."
“Sinners” was a juggernaut this awards season, entering the Oscars with a record-breaking 16 nominations—more than any film in Academy history, surpassing the previous record of 14 held by classics like All About Eve, Titanic, and La La Land. On Oscar night, the film walked away with four major trophies: Best Actor for Jordan, Original Screenplay for Coogler, Original Score for Ludwig Göransson, and Cinematography for Autumn Durald Arkapaw.
Arkapaw’s win was itself a landmark moment. She became the first woman, the first Black person, and the first Filipino to win the Oscar for Cinematography. The magnitude of her achievement was not lost on the crowd, who erupted in cheers and shouts of "I love you" as her name was called. In her acceptance speech, Arkapaw called Coogler an "honorable person" and thanked the women who supported her throughout the campaign. "I felt so much love from all the women on this whole campaign, and gotten to meet so many people. And I just feel like moments like this happen because of you guys. And I want to thank you for that."
Ryan Coogler, who grew up in Oakland and Richmond, California, took home the Oscar for Original Screenplay. It was only the second time in Oscar history that a Black writer won in this category, following Jordan Peele’s victory for Get Out in 2017. Coogler’s acceptance was characteristically humble and heartfelt: "Please sit down because I’m very nervous, and they’re gonna play me off," he joked to the crowd, which included his proud parents.
Ludwig Göransson, who previously won an Oscar for his work on Black Panther, earned his second for the haunting, evocative score of “Sinners.” In his speech, Göransson described Coogler as one of the "greatest storytellers of our time," highlighting the creative synergy that has defined their collaborations.
The accolades for “Sinners” didn’t stop at the Oscars. The film racked up 13 BAFTA nominations and became the most-awarded film by a Black director in BAFTA history, with wins for Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress (Wunmi Mosaku), and Best Original Score. At the Critics’ Choice Awards, "Sinners" garnered 17 nominations and won four, including Best Original Screenplay and Best Casting and Ensemble. The Golden Globes honored it with Best Cinematic and Box Office Achievement and Best Original Score. The NAACP Image Awards were especially generous, bestowing 13 awards, including Outstanding Motion Picture, Director, Lead Actor (Jordan), Supporting Actor (Delroy Lindo), Supporting Actress (Wunmi Mosaku), and Breakthrough Performance (Miles Caton).
For both Jordan and Coogler, “Sinners” is the latest chapter in a partnership that began with 2013’s Fruitvale Station, where Jordan played Oscar Grant, a young man shot by a BART police officer in 2009. That film, also produced by Coogler’s wife Zinzi and longtime collaborator Sev Ohanian, marked the start of a creative alliance that would reshape Hollywood’s landscape. In 2021, the trio founded Proximity Media, a production company aimed at amplifying underrepresented voices and stories.
Oakland’s legacy at the Oscars is storied. From George Stevens’ Best Director wins in the 1950s, to Clint Eastwood’s double victories for Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby, to Mahershala Ali’s two Best Supporting Actor wins, the city has produced a remarkable roster of talent. Julian Brave NoiseCat made history in 2025 as the first Indigenous director nominated for a filmmaking Oscar with his documentary "Sugarcane." The Cooglers, both Oakland natives, now add their own chapter to this illustrious tradition.
Looking ahead, Ryan Coogler isn’t slowing down. His next project is a reboot of the iconic 1990s sci-fi series The X-Files, which he’ll write, direct, and executive produce for Hulu through Proximity Media. If “Sinners” is any indication, audiences can expect bold storytelling and fresh perspectives.
As the curtain fell on Oscar night, it was clear that "Sinners" had done more than win awards—it had made history. For Michael B. Jordan, Ryan Coogler, Autumn Durald Arkapaw, and everyone involved, the night was a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and the enduring impact of stories that dare to go where few have gone before.