Overview
- Jordan was honored at the 39th American Cinematheque Awards on Nov. 20 at The Beverly Hilton, with Ryan Coogler presenting after tributes from Ben Affleck, Mahershala Ali, Octavia Spencer, Tessa Thompson, Bradley Cooper, Daniel Kaluuya and Delroy Lindo.
- Tom Cruise delivered a surprise video message praising Jordan’s talent, work ethic and boundary‑pushing storytelling.
- The program opened with Miles Caton, Ludwig Göransson and Raphael Saadiq performing Sinners’ breakout song “I Lied to You.”
- Coverage positioned the honor as reinforcing Jordan’s Oscar prospects for his twin‑role turn in Sinners, with Academy nominations set to be announced in January 2026.
- The Motion Picture Association’s chairman and CEO Charles H. Rivkin received the Power of Cinema Award from Universal’s Donna Langley during the ceremony.