Michael B. Jordan Wins Best Actor Oscar, Explains Hailee Steinfeld's Absence

The Sinners star thanked his co-stars, including Steinfeld who is expecting her first child with Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:03pm

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Michael B. Jordan won the Best Actor Oscar for his role in the film Sinners, becoming the sixth Black actor to win the prestigious award. During his acceptance speech, Jordan thanked his fellow co-stars, including Hailee Steinfeld, who was absent from the ceremony as she is currently preparing to have her first baby with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.

Why it matters

Jordan's Oscar win is a significant milestone for Black representation in Hollywood, following in the footsteps of other pioneering Black actors who have won the Best Actor award. Steinfeld's absence due to her pregnancy highlights the challenges that female actors can face in balancing their careers with major life events.

The details

Michael B. Jordan won the Best Actor Oscar for his role in the film Sinners, where he played the Smokestack twins. He was up against a strong field of nominees including Marty Supreme's Timothée Chalamet, One Battle After Another's Leonardo DiCaprio, Blue Moon's Ethan Hawke, and The Secret Agent's Wagner Moura. During his acceptance speech, Jordan paid tribute to the Black actors who came before him, including Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, and Will Smith. He also honored Halle Berry, the first Black woman to win Best Actress.

  • Michael B. Jordan won the Best Actor Oscar at the 98th Academy Awards ceremony on March 16, 2026.

The players

Michael B. Jordan

An American actor who won the Best Actor Oscar for his role in the film Sinners, becoming the sixth Black actor to win the prestigious award.

Hailee Steinfeld

An American actress and singer who was a co-star of Michael B. Jordan in Sinners, but was absent from the Oscars ceremony as she is currently preparing to have her first baby with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.

Josh Allen

The quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, who is the partner of Hailee Steinfeld and the father of her expected first child.

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What they’re saying

“Hailee at home, she's getting ready to have a baby right now.”

— Michael B. Jordan, Best Actor Oscar Winner

The takeaway

Michael B. Jordan's Oscar win is a significant milestone for Black representation in Hollywood, following in the footsteps of other pioneering Black actors. Hailee Steinfeld's absence from the ceremony due to her pregnancy highlights the challenges that female actors can face in balancing their careers with major life events.