The powerful speech of Michael B. Jordan, sixth African-American crowned Best Actor at the Oscars

“I’m here because of the people who came before me: Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker and Will Smith, and Halle Berry…”

Doubly deserved!

Amazing in Sinnersin the role of twins Smoke and Stack Moore, Michael B. Jordan won the first Oscar of his career by winning the statuette for Best Actor last night, during the 98th Ceremony. A historic victory which makes him the sixth African-American actor to triumph in this category.

"I am here because of the people who came before me," began the actor in his speech, before citing Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker and Will Smith, crowned before him, as well as Halle Berry, first and still only black actress crowned in the female category.

“Being among these giants, these great artists, among my ancestors and my guides… Thank you to everyone in this room and to those watching at home for supporting me throughout my career. I feel it. I know you want to see me succeed, and I want to succeed because you bet on me. So thank you for continuing to believe in me.”

This was the actor’s first Academy Award nomination. Michael B. Jordan emerged as a last-minute favorite after his victory at the Actor Awards, formerly the Screen Actors Guild Awards. He finally won against Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme), Leonardo DiCaprio (One battle after another), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon) and Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent). Before that, however, he had lost the BAFTA to Robert Aramayo (I Swear), the Golden Globe against Wagner Moura and the Critics’ Choice Award against Timothée Chalamet.

This statuette also makes him enter the history of the Oscars in another way: he is the first actor since Lee Marvin to win this award for having played several characters in the same film. Marvin had already achieved this feat decades earlier, in the western Cat Ballou in 1965.

The actor wanted to salute director Ryan Coogler, who directed him in five films: Sinners, Fruitvale Station, Creed, Black Panther And Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

“Ryan, you are an incredible person. It is an honor to be able to call you a collaborator and a friend. You have given me the opportunity and the space to be seen. I love you too, brother.”

Sinners won four Oscars last night, including Best Cinematography for Autumn Durald Arkapaw, the first female winner in the category. The film was also a big success at the box office with $370 million in worldwide revenue.

“To all those who supported Sinners and who have gone to see the film once, twice, three or four times… thank you. C‘You made this film what it is!’