Michael B. Jordan Reflects on Overwhelming Emotion After Oscar Nominations: His Mom Was the First to Know

Donna Jordan and Michael B. Jordan.
Credit:

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

NEED TO KNOW

• Michael B. Jordan reveals that he first spoke with his mom, Donna Jordan, upon learning that Sinners received 16 Oscar nominations.
• The film broke the record for the most nominations received for a single film.
• Jordan is nominated for Best Actor.

Michael B. Jordan expressed his excitement upon learning that his film Sinners has made Oscars history. The actor revealed that his first call was to his mother, Donna Jordan, after he received a nomination for Best Actor and the film garnered an impressive 16 nominations—marking a record for the most nominations for a single film.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter on January 22, Jordan shared, “My mom was my first call. It was great. A lot of tears and the reason why I’m even in this industry and why I’m acting at all — why that was even an idea. To talk to the woman who started it all first meant the world.”

Sinners‘ historic achievement eclipsed previous record holders, including Titanic (1997), La La Land (2016), and All About Eve (1950), all of which received 14 nominations.

Sinners.

Warner Bros.

Jordan, now 38, reflected on his film’s achievements, stating that he is still “digesting” its success with the Academy. “It’s really a testament to the film as a whole and all the pieces involved and the people that went to go see this movie and watched this film,” he remarked. The nominations also included Best Director for Ryan Coogler, Best Supporting Actress for Wunmi Mosaku, and Best Supporting Actor for Delroy Lindo.

Michael B. Jordan in Sinners.

Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

In a lighter moment, Donna Jordan garnered laughter during the 2026 Golden Globes with her playful reaction to a joke made by host Nikki Glaser about her son, who played twin characters in the film. Glaser joked, “I can’t believe it, we got two Michael B. Jordans. When I saw that, I was like, Nikki B. Jerkin’, because that was awesome.” Acknowledging her presence, Glaser remarked, “I’m so sorry. That should’ve been a DM.”

On Jimmy Kimmel Live, Jordan shared, “I had fun, but my mom stole the show. … I’m pretty sure all her girlfriends are, like, texting her and sending her every meme and every clip possible.” When asked if his mother’s discomfort grows when other women express admiration for him, Jordan responded, “I think by now she’s used to it,” adding, “So she just gives a little eye roll and just kinda keeps it pushing.”

Conan O’Brien is set to host the Oscars live on Sunday, March 15, at 7 p.m. ET on ABC and streaming on Hulu.