Fresh off his Best Actor win for Sinners at the 98th Academy Awards, Michael B. Jordan spoke with reporters about the deep character work behind his performance, the significance of the recognition, and the support system that helped shape his 25-year career.
Jordan’s performance in Sinners required him to portray two distinct personalities, a challenge that he said began with extensive character backstory work long before cameras started rolling.
“I write a lot of journals for my characters,” Jordan explained. “I try to go from the earliest memory that I can conjure up and think of, and I write all the way up to the first page of the script. At least it gives me an opportunity to figure out where they’re coming from.”
That preparation helped him build the emotional and psychological differences between the two characters. Jordan described Smoke as quieter and more protective, while Stack is lighter, more playful and something of a troublemaker. “Smoke is a bit more quiet. He’s a protector,” Jordan said. “Stack is a little bit more light and buoyant, a slick talker and a troublemaker.”
To deepen the connection between the characters, Jordan imagined the history they would share after decades together. “Just imagine being in a partnership for 30-something years,” he said. “How many times they would argue, how many times they would keep score on who’s right and who’s wrong. I started to build all of that so they could have a real history between each other.”
The Oscar win also carried a broader meaning within the industry. When asked about the significance of the award for Black artists, Jordan reflected on the legacy of giants who paved the way.
“I’m here because of the people who came before me,” he said, citing Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry and Forest Whitaker. “They’re artists who wanted to do the work, not necessarily looking for awards or acknowledgement. That’s always been my focus, too. Just do the work.”
At the same time, Jordan acknowledged that recognition at the Oscars represents an important milestone within the industry. “In your craft and in your industry, this is a pinnacle,” he said. “This is what our industry standard is, what we put value on in a big way. But at the same time, what’s for you is for you. You can’t take anybody’s blessings away from anybody else.”
Jordan said he hopes the moment inspires other artists to keep pushing forward. “I would encourage other actors and artists to dream big, be kind, be honest and just do the work,” he said. “I’m really big on pouring into the universe, and the universe will pour back into you.”
After more than two decades in the business, Jordan said the overwhelming support he has received from colleagues and fans has made the win even more meaningful. “I’ve been doing this for 25 years,” he said. “There are a lot of people who have seen me grow up in this industry and grow up in this town. People who looked out for me when they didn’t have to.”
From assistants responding to emails to producers offering early meetings, Jordan said those relationships helped shape his journey.
“That goodwill and that support makes you want to make the people you care about proud,” he said. Jordan added that he hopes to use the moment to help inspire the next generation of filmmakers and performers. “I’m really big on the next generation,” he said. “I’m not a big talker. I like to lead by example. I’m about that action.”
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