Michael B. Jordan added another major win to his résumé Sunday night. The actor took home the top prize for best male performance in a leading role at the 2026 Actor Awards, previously known as the Screen Actors Guild Awards, for his work in Sinners.
Michael B Jordan feels grateful after winning top prize at 2026 Actor Awards
Jordan took home the award for portraying twin brothers Smoke and Stack in Sinners. Speaking onstage at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, he admitted the moment caught him off guard. “I wasn’t expecting this at all,” he said. Presenter Viola Davis screamed with excitement as she read his name.
Jordan later returned to the stage when the cast of Sinners won for best performance by a cast in a motion picture. It marked his second ensemble win at the Actor Awards after 2019’s Black Panther.
The win stood out because Jordan had not claimed earlier precursor awards this season. He bested nominees Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme), Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), and Jesse Plemons (Bugonia). “I’m so honored and privileged to be nominated in categories with people… that I love,” Jordan said. “This ride has been unbelievable. So thank you for welcoming me in and making me feel seen.”
He reflected on dreaming of joining SAG-AFTRA as a teen actor. “It was this club I wanted to be in so bad,” he said. “That kid from North Jersey is standing here right now.” He also thanked his mother for driving him to auditions when money was tight. Moreover, Jordan extended his thanks to Coogler for trusting him and “giving me the opportunity to show what I can do.”
Sinners teams Michael B. Jordan with director Ryan Coogler for the fifth time, following Fruitvale Station, Creed, and the two highly successful Black Panther movies. The story unfolds in the 1930s South. Jordan plays twin brothers who open a juke joint. Things take a wild turn when vampires crash the party. The film made serious noise during awards season, landing 16 Oscar nominations. It also pulled in $369 million worldwide at the box office.
