Fan Steals Michael B. Jordan's Fries After Oscars Run-in at In-N-Out

Tom Whitfield shares his unexpected encounter with the Best Actor winner at the popular burger spot.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:22pm

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A fan visiting Los Angeles ended up at In-N-Out near the Oscars and unexpectedly ran into Michael B. Jordan just hours after his big Best Actor win. Tom Whitfield says the restaurant 'erupted' when the actor walked in, continuing a long-standing post-Oscars tradition. Whitfield admits he even stole some of Jordan's french fries during the encounter.

Why it matters

This story highlights the enduring tradition of Oscar winners visiting the nearby In-N-Out Burger after the ceremony, providing a glimpse into the casual and friendly interactions between celebrities and fans in the aftermath of Hollywood's biggest night.

The details

Whitfield, a 40-year-old fan, says he had spent over an hour outside the Oscars ceremony hoping to spot celebrities before heading to the burger spot. When Michael B. Jordan, 39, the winner of the Best Actor award for 'Sinners', walked into the In-N-Out, the entire restaurant erupted. Whitfield says the staff seemed prepared for Jordan's arrival, and while the actor remained friendly and gracious with fans, Whitfield admits he even stole some of Jordan's french fries.

  • Whitfield and a friend waited for over an hour outside the Oscars ceremony hoping to catch a glimpse of celebrities.
  • Just hours after Michael B. Jordan won the Best Actor Oscar, he visited the nearby In-N-Out Burger.

The players

Tom Whitfield

A 40-year-old fan visiting Los Angeles who unexpectedly ran into Michael B. Jordan at In-N-Out Burger after the Oscars ceremony.

Michael B. Jordan

The 39-year-old actor who won the Best Actor Oscar for his performance in 'Sinners' and continued the tradition of Oscar winners visiting In-N-Out Burger after the ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“I absolutely lost my mind. The whole place erupted. I'd known of previous Oscar winners traditionally going to the nearby In N Out burger but never actually thought it would happen.”

— Tom Whitfield (PEOPLE)

“He was very friendly, humble and gracious with everyone who interacted with him. I said "congratulations Mike, and he said "appreciate you brother" then as he got up to leave I managed to get a fist bump.”

— Tom Whitfield (PEOPLE)

“When in LA.”

— Tom Whitfield (Instagram)

The takeaway

This chance encounter between a fan and an Oscar winner at a beloved fast-food spot underscores the enduring appeal of In-N-Out Burger as a post-Oscars tradition, where celebrities can briefly connect with the public in a casual setting after the glitz and glamour of Hollywood's biggest night.