New Jersey native Michael B. Jordan highlighted his Newark roots after winning Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for “Sinners” at the 2026 Actor Awards on Sunday.

The film is a supernatural thriller set in the early 1930s. Jordan portrays twin brothers who return to the American South as war veterans after the First World War.

In his speech, Jordan said, “That kid from New Jersey is here tonight.” He thanked his mother for her sacrifices and remembered early days when money was tight. “Thank you for driving me back and forth to New York when we didn’t have the Holland Tunnel,” he said at the end of his statement. “Searching for gas and parking just to get me to auditions.”

Jordan also thanked director Ryan Coogler. “Thank you, Ryan, for giving me the opportunity and for creating a safe space to find the truth,” he said.

He later returned to the stage when “Sinners” won Best Ensemble Cast. It marks his second ensemble award following his 2019 win for “Black Panther.”

The win adds momentum to the Oscar race taking place on March 15.