Michael B. Jordan Upsets at Actor Awards
Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for his leading role in *Sinners*, pulling off a surprise upset over frontrunner Timothée Chalamet at the 2026 Actor Awards. The vampire drama *Sinners* also took the top prize for Outstanding Performance by a Cast, marking it as a serious Oscars contender. Jessie Buckley secured Best Actress honors for her performance in *Hamnet*.
In *Sinners*, Michael B. Jordan portrays twin brothers, Smoke and Stack, who run a juke joint in the 1930s Jim Crow South that is threatened by vampires. The film, a collaboration with director Ryan Coogler, blends period drama with horror to explore themes of race and supernatural evil. The victory for Jordan was a significant upset, as Timothée Chalamet had been the frontrunner for his role in *Marty Supreme*. Chalamet had already secured a Golden Globe and a Critics' Choice Award for his performance, making Jordan's win a surprising turn in the awards season. The Actor Awards, previously known as the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, are a strong indicator for the Oscars as actors form the largest voting body in the Academy. *Sinners* has been a powerhouse at the box office, grossing over $369 million worldwide, and has received widespread critical acclaim. The film also made history by securing a record 16 Oscar nominations, establishing it as a major contender for the upcoming Academy Awards on March 15. Jessie Buckley's win for Best Actress was for her role as Agnes Shakespeare in *Hamnet*, a historical drama about the death of William Shakespeare's son and the subsequent creation of his play *Hamlet*. Buckley's performance has been a dominant force this awards season, earning her a Golden Globe, a Critics' Choice Award, and a BAFTA, making her the clear frontrunner for the Best Actress Oscar.
