Michael B. Jordan became emotional while accepting the 39th American Cinematheque Award from longtime collaborator Ryan Coogler at the Beverly Hilton. The event followed the morning's posthumous Walk of Fame star unveiling for his late friend Chadwick Boseman. Jordan reflected on his 25-year career during the tribute attended by industry stars.
Event Overview
The 39th American Cinematheque Award ceremony honored Michael B. Jordan's contributions to film and television. Held at the Beverly Hilton, the event featured tributes from A-list figures and clips from Jordan's notable roles. It capped an emotional day that began with the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony for Chadwick Boseman, who passed away in 2020. Jordan, who received his own star in 2023, spoke of the day's serendipity, telling Variety, “I wouldn’t want to share this day, this moment, with anyone else. I’m actually so happy that it happened on the same day. I’ll never forget it.”
Career Highlights and Tributes
The program traced Jordan's journey from early television appearances in shows like The Wire, Friday Night Lights, and All My Children, to his film debut in Hardball. His breakthrough came with Ryan Coogler's Fruitvale Station in 2013, followed by major roles in Black Panther, the Creed franchise—where he also directed Creed III—and the 2025 hit Sinners. Jordan is set to direct, produce, and star in a remake of The Thomas Crown Affair.
Presenters praised his dedication. Ben Affleck shared advice he gave Jordan post-Fruitvale Station, joking about the challenges of the actor's famous namesake. Octavia Spencer, who co-starred in Fruitvale Station, called him “a brilliant character actor with a beautiful, leading man’s face.” Daniel Kaluuya described Jordan as “a human torch in real life,” crediting him for inspiration. Tessa Thompson, his Creed co-star, noted his growth while remaining unchanged. Coogler, the final presenter, highlighted their 13-year partnership, saying, “I don’t think there’s any other actor in the world who might’ve pulled that off” regarding Jordan's dual roles in Sinners.
Jordan's parents, Michael A. Jordan and Donna Jordan, emphasized his work ethic. Video messages came from Angela Bassett and Tom Cruise, with Cruise admiring Jordan's “constant willingness to learn and push the boundaries of storytelling.”
Jordan's Acceptance
Wiping away tears after a standing ovation, Jordan called the night an “ultimate homecoming.” He thanked Coogler, saying, “Finding a collaborator like him early in my career changed everything for me.” Quoting Toni Morrison, he urged artists to “plant your seeds, find your people, build with them” and encouraged decision-makers to take risks on bold stories.