Michael B. Jordan surprises, celebrates top actor win with mom

Michael B. Jordan pulled off one of the biggest upsets of awards season at the 2026 Actor Awards, beating Timothee Chalamet and a star studded field to win outstanding performance by a male actor in a leading role.

The Sinners star, 39, shared a touching moment with his mother Donna, planting a celebratory kiss on her head as she cheered him on.

The actor was visibly emotional when his name was called, and his mother’s shocked, joyful reaction became a highlight of the night.

During his acceptance speech, Jordan acknowledged Donna’s sacrifices, recalling how she drove him to New York despite limited finances: “Mom, thank you for driving me back and forth to New York, when we didn't have enough money to go through the Holland Tunnel.”

Jordan’s win came over tough competition, including Chalamet for Marty Supreme, Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another, Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon, and Jesse Plemons for Bugonia. Chalamet graciously applauded the winner alongside his co-star Gwyneth Paltrow.

The film Sinners, written and directed by Ryan Coogler, also earned outstanding performance by a cast in a Motion Picture.

Centered on twin brothers returning to their hometown only to confront a sinister vampire threat, Jordan played both Elijah Smoke Moore and Elias Stack Moore.

On the television side, Catherine O’Hara received a posthumous award for outstanding performance by a female actor in a series for her work in The Studio, just one month after her passing at 71 from a pulmonary embolism.

Emotional reactions were visible among nominees, including Jenna Ortega, who wiped away tears as co-star Seth Rogen accepted the honor on O’Hara’s behalf.

Rogen shared her generosity and brilliance on set, noting her commitment to rewriting scripts and perfecting every scene.