Jordan’s surprise victory for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role wasn’t the only twist of the evening. His horror film Sinners also pulled off a major upset, winning Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture at the ceremony, held at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall.
The 39-year-old actor appeared visibly stunned as his name was announced, clutching the trophy with his hands to his face and his mouth agape. He triumphed over a competitive field that included Chalamet for Marty Supreme, along with Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), and Jesse Plemons (Bugonia).
Chalamet, 30 — who had already claimed wins at the Critics Choice and Golden Globe Awards — rose to his feet to applaud Jordan, joined by co-star Gwyneth Paltrow.
When Jordan’s name was revealed, his mother, Donna Jordan, looked overwhelmed with emotion, grabbing his shoulders in disbelief. In his heartfelt speech, the actor made sure to thank her, recalling the sacrifices she made early in his career. “Mom, thank you for driving me back and forth to New York when we didn’t have enough money to go through the Holland Tunnel,” he said.
Jordan admitted he hadn’t anticipated the win and expressed gratitude to his fellow actors for embracing him. He said he felt “honored and privileged” to be nominated alongside artists he deeply admires, adding that their support made him feel “seen.”
Presenter Viola Davis also appeared stunned, her jaw dropping as she opened the envelope before excitedly announcing his name.
Directed and written by Ryan Coogler, Sinners later secured the ensemble prize over Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, and One Battle After Another. Delroy Lindo accepted the award on behalf of the cast just a week after he and Jordan faced a disturbing incident while presenting at the BAFTAs, when an audience member shouted a racial slur. Lindo later criticized the organization for failing to properly address the situation afterward.
Sinners follows twin brothers who return to their hometown hoping for a fresh start, only to confront a sinister force — vampires — waiting for them. Jordan took on dual roles in the film, portraying the stoic older twin Elijah “Smoke” Moore and his more lighthearted younger brother, Elias “Stack” Moore.
The night cemented Jordan’s status as a dominant force this awards season — and proved that even in a year packed with heavy favorites, surprises still reign supreme.
