OSCARs: Michael B. Jordan Joins Denzel Washington, Will Smith, & More on Historic List of Black Best Actor Winners Thanks to ‘Sinners’

Before Sunday’s Academy Awards (March 15), only five Black performers could boast ownership of the ceremony’s Best Actor trophy: Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, and Will Smith.

Now, thanks to a victory for his groundbreaking film ‘Sinners,’ superstar Michael B. Jordan has been added to the coveted list.

Michael B. Jordan receives a massive round of applause from the entire room as he wins the #Oscar for Best Actor.

(via ABC/AMPAS) pic.twitter.com/TpPrBBU3OB

— Variety (@Variety) March 16, 2026

After watching Ryan Coogler, the director of ‘Sinners,’ make history with a win in the Best Original Screenplay category, Jordan followed suit by capturing Best Actor in a Leading Role.

The first OSCAR win of his career, Michael defeated Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Wagner Moura, and Timothee Chalamet for the honor.

With the victory, the 39-year-old becomes the first African American man to take home the golden statuette since 2022 when Will Smith nabbed it for ‘King Richard.’

See his reaction above; see the full list of winners here.

[photo sources: AP Photos / Getty Images]