After winning best actor at the 2026 Oscars, Sinners star Michael B. Jordan offered encouraging words for other artists looking to sink their teeth into pursuing a passion.
While speaking at the press room after accepting the Academy Award, the star was asked what this victory should signify to rising creatives. Jordan starred with a dual role as twins Smoke and Stack in Ryan Coogler‘s Warner Bros. drama that landed a leading 16 Oscar nominations before winning in four categories.
“My father always told me, ‘Don’t expect anything to be handed to you,’” Jordan said backstage. “You do the work, and everything else will figure itself out.”
The Creed star acknowledged that the Oscar represents “a pinnacle” of his industry and that it can be easy to feel competitive about winning one. He also added, “At the same time, what’s for you is for you, and you can’t listen to anybody else. I’m just walking my path. I would encourage other actors and other artists, no matter what their medium is, to try to keep that in mind. To be honest and truthful. Dream big, man. Dream big, and be kind. Be honest.”
It’s likely a coincidence that “dream big” was also a key slogan throughout the promotional campaign for A24’s Marty Supreme, with star Timothée Chalamet having been a top contender for best actor in this awards season. The phrase featured prominently on posters and other marketing material for the sports drama that centered on Chalamet’s ambitious character pursuing success in table tennis.
During his acceptance speech at Sunday’s Academy Awards ceremony, Jordan credited previous Black performers to have won an Oscar.
“I stand here because of the people that came before me: Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker and Will Smith,” the actor said in his speech. “To be amongst those giants, amongst those greats, amongst my ancestors, amongst my guys. Thank you everybody in this room and everybody at home for supporting me over my career. I feel it.”
Conan O’Brien hosted the Oscars 2026 ceremony from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. See the red carpet arrivals here.
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