Michael B. Jordan Reveals the First Person He Called After Oscar Nomination News

Michael B. Jordan has earned his first-ever Academy Award nomination, marking a major moment in his career. The 38-year-old actor was nominated for his role in the supernatural thriller Sinners, a film that has quickly become one of the most talked-about titles of the awards season.

Jordan spoke about the milestone in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter. He said the nomination felt like confirmation after many years of steady work. I’ve been in this industry for a long time. I’ve admired and seen the Academy and the other actors in the movies and filmmakers that I’ve looked up to and been inspired by my whole life, he said. To be in those conversations and in that company is a solidifying feeling.

The nomination came as part of a historic showing for Sinners. The film received 16 Oscar nominations, the most ever for a single movie. Its creator, Ryan Coogler, was also recognized multiple times for his work behind the camera as a director, writer, and producer.

Jordan said he did not watch the nominations live. Instead of waking up early for the 5:30 a.m. announcement, he chose to sleep and check his phone later. I did not get up at 5:30. Man, I slept, he said. I’m in the edit right now [on The Thomas Crown Affair], so I kind of wanted to just kind of wake up to whatever I was going to wake up to — and that was a lot of love and affection.

As messages poured in, Jordan said he was still trying to fully take in what had happened. He made it clear that the success of the film was bigger than any one person. Honestly still digesting it all. It’s really a testament to the film as a whole and all the pieces involved and the people that went to go see this movie and watched this film, he said.

The first person Jordan called after hearing the news was his mother. He shared that the call was emotional and meaningful, since she was the one who encouraged him to chase acting in the first place. He also said he had been trying to connect with Ryan Coogler, but the two kept missing each other as they both dealt with the excitement.

Jordan’s career continues to move fast. He is currently working on The Thomas Crown Affair, a new remake that he is both directing and starring in.

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