Michael B. Jordan Wins Oscar, Highlights Lack of Black Representation

The actor's acceptance speech draws attention to the historical exclusion of Black artists from the Academy Awards.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 9:04am

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On March 15, 2026, Michael B. Jordan won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in the film "Sinners". In his acceptance speech, Jordan acknowledged the small number of Black actors who have won the award, naming previous winners like Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, and Halle Berry. Jordan's speech highlighted the systemic underrepresentation of Black artists at the Oscars, with only 2% of all nominees and winners being Black from 1929 to 2026.

Why it matters

Jordan's speech drew attention to the long history of exclusion faced by Black artists at the Academy Awards, which has led to the creation of alternative award shows like the NAACP Image Awards to recognize Black contributions to the arts. His acknowledgment of the few Black actors who have won the award underscores the significance of his own achievement and the ongoing barriers that Black performers continue to face in the industry.

The details

In his speech, Jordan expressed gratitude to his parents and colleagues, but he also made a deliberate statement by naming the six Black actors who have previously won the Best Actor Oscar - Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, and Will Smith. This highlighted the fact that in the nearly century-long history of the Oscars, fewer than ten Black people have received the award in this category.

  • On March 15, 2026, Michael B. Jordan won the Academy Award for Best Actor.
  • On April 13, 1964, Sidney Poitier became the first Black person to win the 'Best Actor' Oscar.

The players

Michael B. Jordan

An American actor who won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in the film "Sinners".

Sidney Poitier

The first Black person to win the 'Best Actor' Oscar, for his role in the 1963 film 'Lilies of the Field'.

Denzel Washington

The second Black person to win the 'Best Actor' Oscar, for his role in the 2001 film 'Training Day'.

Halle Berry

The first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress, in 2002.

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What they’re saying

“Because it is a long journey to this moment I am naturally indebted to countless numbers of people … For all of them, all I can say is a very special thank you.”

— Sidney Poitier

“I stand here because of the people that came before me: Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jamie Fox, Forest Whittaker, Will Smith.”

— Michael B. Jordan, Actor

The takeaway

Michael B. Jordan's Oscars speech highlighted the long-standing exclusion of Black artists from the Academy Awards, a systemic issue that has led to the creation of alternative award shows like the NAACP Image Awards to recognize Black excellence. His acknowledgment of the few Black actors who have won the Best Actor Oscar underscores the significance of his own achievement and the ongoing barriers that Black performers continue to face in the industry.