Will Smith congratulates Michael B. Jordan after Oscar win, ‘Makin’ History’

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• 🔥 Quick Facts
• Jordan Shouts Out Hollywood Legends During Acceptance Speech
• Will Smith Breaks Silence With Heartfelt Instagram Message
• Jordan’s Landmark Achievement: Dual Role Performance Stuns Academy
• Jamie Foxx Joins Smith in Celebrating Jordan’s Victory
• What Does Jordan’s Win Mean for Black Hollywood and Future Generations?
  • Sources

Will Smith immediately sent love to Michael B. Jordan after his historic Best Actor win Sunday night. Jordan’s stunning victory sparked a touching moment celebrating Black excellence in Hollywood.

Jordan Shouts Out Hollywood Legends During Acceptance Speech

On Sunday night, Michael B. Jordan delivered an emotional acceptance speech at the 98th Oscars. The 39-year-old actor paid tribute to the Black actors who paved the way before him. During his remarks, Jordan honored Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, and Will Smith by name.

“I stand here because of the people that came before me,” Jordan declared to a standing ovation from the packed theater. He continued, “And to be amongst those giants, amongst those great greats, amongst my ancestors, amongst my guys.” The powerful moment resonated throughout the ceremony.

Will Smith Breaks Silence With Heartfelt Instagram Message

On Monday, March 16, Will Smith took to Instagram to acknowledge the shout-out from his younger peer. Smith shared a photo of Jordan holding his Oscar trophy aloft. His message was simple yet profound, capturing the significance of the historic moment.

Smith’s caption read, “CONGRATS, Beloved. Makin’ History!” The response came within hours of the ceremony ending. Smith, who won his own Best Actor award in 2022 for ‘King Richard,’ understood the magnitude of Jordan’s achievement. The mutual respect between generations of Black excellence in Hollywood shone through.

Jordan’s Landmark Achievement: Dual Role Performance Stuns Academy

Michael B. Jordan’s victory represents a watershed moment in Academy history. His dual performance as twins Smoke and Stack in Ryan Coogler’s ‘Sinners’ marked a technical achievement rarely seen on screen. Jordan became the sixth Black actor to win Best Actor, and the first ever to win for portraying twin brothers in a single film.

Category	Details
Film	Sinners (2025), directed by Ryan Coogler
Role	Twin brothers Smoke and Stack, set in 1932 Mississippi Delta
Historic Status	6th Black actor to win Best Actor, first dual-twin portrayal winner
Co-stars	Wunmi Mosaku, Hailee Steinfeld

“I stand here because of the people that came before me: Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, Will Smith.”

— Michael B. Jordan, Best Actor Acceptance Speech

Jamie Foxx Joins Smith in Celebrating Jordan’s Victory

Jamie Foxx, who won his own Best Actor Oscar in 2005, also celebrated Jordan’s win publicly. The legendary actor praised Jordan’s performance and achievement with genuine warmth. Between Smith and Foxx, two titans of Academy Award history stepped forward to honor the rising star.

Jordan thanked his co-stars during the speech, specifically acknowledging Wunmi Mosaku and Hailee Steinfeld. He also expressed gratitude to audiences for their continued support throughout his career. “I’m gonna keep stepping up,” Jordan promised as he concluded his remarks.

What Does Jordan’s Win Mean for Black Hollywood and Future Generations?

Michael B. Jordan’s victory sends a powerful message about representation and progress in cinema. His unprecedented dual-role win demonstrates the Academy’s willingness to recognize complex, challenging performances. The fact that both Will Smith and Jamie Foxx immediately voiced their support amplifies the significance of this moment.

Looking ahead, Jordan’s win opens doors for other actors pursuing similar ambitious, boundary-pushing roles. The response from Hollywood’s established Black stars suggests a community actively lifting up incoming talent. This intergenerational acknowledgment represents a shift in how the industry celebrates achievement, moving beyond individual awards toward collective progress.

Sources

• People.com – Complete coverage of Michael B. Jordan’s Oscar win and Will Smith’s congratulatory message
• The Guardian – Reporting on Jordan becoming sixth Black actor to win Best Actor
• iHeart Radio – Detailed account of Jamie Foxx and Will Smith congratulating Jordan after ceremony