Michael B. Jordan received the American Cinematheque Award on Thursday in Beverly Hills, marking a milestone moment in his 20-year career and the acclaim surrounding Sinners.
The night drew a heavy list of supporters — Ben Affleck, Mahershala Ali, Bradley Cooper, Daniel Kaluuya, Octavia Spencer, Tessa Thompson, Delroy Lindo, Phylicia Rashad and Irwin Winkler — with video tributes from Angela Bassett and Tom Cruise.
Cruise praised Jordan’s evolution, saying, “I admire your talent, your dedication, your constant willingness to learn and push the boundaries of storytelling.”
The program opened with Miles Caton, Ludwig Göransson and Raphael Saadiq performing Sinners’ standout track I Lied to You.
Affleck recounted seeking Jordan out after Fruitvale Station, admitting Jordan soon needed little guidance and adding, “I got to watch him navigate this world with grace and calm.”
Thompson joked that her on-screen romance with Jordan across the Creed films is “the longest relationship that either of us has ever been in,” while Cooper described himself as simply “a dedicated fan.”
Kaluuya reflected on Black Panther and Jordan’s discipline on set, calling him “a movie star… who keeps showing us he’s an artist as well.”
Ryan Coogler presented the honour, recalling their first meeting and telling the room, “I think you’re a star. Let’s do this project together and show the world.” Jordan, visibly emotional, said, “Man, nobody warns you how crazy this is… now I want to go do something else, like what’s next?”
Looking back, he credited The Wire for igniting his drive and Coogler for helping him find his voice: “Finding a collaborator like him early in my career changed everything for me.”
The evening also included Donna Langley presenting the Power of Cinema Award to MPA chairman Charles H. Rivkin, with Jason Reitman highlighting efforts to preserve the Westwood Village Theater.