Michael B. Jordan receives prestigious award, shares secrets to building a Hollywood legacy
Michael B. Jordan receives prestigious award, shares secrets to building a Hollywood legacy
Michael B. Jordan’s rise from television newcomer to Hollywood powerhouse reached a new pinnacle this week as he received the 39th American Cinematheque Award at The Beverly Hilton. The honor, presented by his longtime collaborator Ryan Coogler, celebrates Jordan’s outstanding contributions to film and television, while highlighting the actor’s unique philosophy on forging one’s path in the entertainment industry.
The evening proved both celebratory and reflective, as Jordan, currently receiving widespread acclaim for his dual performance in the 2025 blockbuster Sinners, delivered a heartfelt 13-minute speech that explored the often-overlooked “how” behind chasing dreams.
“Everybody talks about chasing dreams. Nobody really talks about how to build them,” Jordan told the audience. “What does it actually mean to build? How do you will the thought into existence? I stand on the shoulders of giants — and my ancestors. Build the house, and they will come.”
In his speech, Jordan emphasized the importance of creating one’s own opportunities rather than waiting for them to appear. He reflected on the people who had supported him from the start — mentors, friends, and family — acknowledging that their faith and hard work were integral to his success. “Watching y’all do that for me, I realized I didn’t have to pull up a chair to somebody else’s table. I could have my own table. I could have my own house. And more importantly, I could build a community,” he said.
Jordan credited much of his career trajectory to his creative partnership with Ryan Coogler, which began with the 2012 indie drama Fruitvale Station. The collaboration has since produced several critically acclaimed films, including the Creed series and Black Panther. The pair’s long-standing partnership was a recurring theme throughout the evening, with Coogler presenting the award and recalling their first coffee meeting, where he immediately recognized Jordan’s star potential.
The event was a star-studded affair, featuring onstage tributes and video messages from Hollywood heavyweights including Octavia Spencer, Tessa Thompson, Daniel Kaluuya, Delroy Lindo, Bradley Cooper, Tom Cruise, and Angela Bassett. Each shared anecdotes that illustrated Jordan’s dedication, versatility, and magnetic presence on screen. Spencer highlighted Jordan’s ability to elevate culturally significant stories, while Kaluuya described him as a “human torch” whose influence was global from the very beginning.
A special highlight was a live performance of “I Lied to You,” an original track from Sinners, performed by composer Ludwig Göransson, Raphael Saadiq, and breakout star Miles Caton. The performance underscored the artistic depth of Jordan’s current projects and reinforced the Oscar buzz surrounding the film, which is expected to contend for multiple Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, and several technical categories.
Throughout the night, Jordan oscillated between humor and heartfelt emotion, reflecting on his career’s unexpected twists and the personal significance of sharing the evening with colleagues, family, and friends. He also paid tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, whose posthumous Walk of Fame star ceremony coincided with the award event, highlighting the emotional resonance of the day.
Jordan closed his speech with a message to fellow artists and storytellers: “Plant your seeds. Find your people. Build with them. And to the people making decisions about what stories get told — be bold. Take the risk. These stories matter. The win is always in the outlier.”
For Jordan, the American Cinematheque Award was not just a celebration of his accomplishments, but a testament to the power of perseverance, collaboration, and vision in carving out a unique place in Hollywood.
FAQ
Q1: What is the American Cinematheque Award?
A: It’s an annual award that honors outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry, recognizing actors, directors, and other cinematic talents.
Q2: Why is Michael B. Jordan receiving attention for Sinners?
A: Jordan plays dual roles in Sinners, showcasing his acting range, and the film is generating significant Oscar buzz across multiple categories.
Q3: Who presented Michael B. Jordan’s award?
A: Ryan Coogler, his long-time creative partner, presented the award.
Q4: Which other celebrities participated in the tribute?
A: Octavia Spencer, Tessa Thompson, Daniel Kaluuya, Bradley Cooper, Tom Cruise, Delroy Lindo, Angela Bassett, and Ludwig Göransson, among others.
Q5: What was the key message of Jordan’s speech?
A: Jordan emphasized building one’s own opportunities, creating communities, and telling authentic stories rather than waiting for permission from others.
