Michael B. Jordan Surprised by Quiet Paparazzi at Oscars Luncheon

The actor was thrown off by the lack of yelling from photographers on the red carpet.

Feb. 15, 2026 at 5:31am

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At the 2026 Oscars Nominees Luncheon, actor Michael B. Jordan was surprised when the paparazzi photographing him on the red carpet were unusually quiet, rather than the loud, yelling photographers he was accustomed to. In a video, Jordan can be heard saying "It's too quiet. It's throwing me off" before the photographers started yelling his name and giving him directions, which he seemed to appreciate more.

Why it matters

Interactions between celebrities and paparazzi are often contentious, with stories of obscene comments and confrontations making headlines. Jordan's experience at the Oscars luncheon stood out as an unusual and more positive encounter, potentially signaling a shift in the dynamic between stars and the photographers who cover them.

The details

In the video, Jordan is seen walking up to his mark for photos, and the photographers are initially silent. He then says "It's too quiet. It's throwing me off." One photographer then yells "Michael over the shoulder," and Jordan responds "There it is. That's right!" seeming to appreciate the photographers engaging with him more actively.

  • The incident occurred at the 2026 Oscars Nominees Luncheon on February 15, 2026.

The players

Michael B. Jordan

A 2026 Oscar nominee for his performance in the film "Sinners".

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What they’re saying

“It's too quiet. It's throwing me off.”

— Michael B. Jordan, Actor

“Michael over the shoulder. How's that?”

— Paparazzi Photographer

“There it is. That's right!”

— Michael B. Jordan, Actor

What’s next

Jordan is expected to continue posing for photographers on the Oscars red carpet on March 15, 2026, where his film "Sinners" has a historic number of nominations.

The takeaway

Michael B. Jordan's positive interaction with paparazzi at the Oscars luncheon stands out as an unusual and refreshing encounter, potentially signaling a shift in the often contentious dynamic between celebrities and the photographers who cover them.