This recognition is another feather in the list of “Sinners”, for which Jordan is nominated. It also continues the film’s dominance thus far through the 2026 awards season.
The British Academy of Cinema and Television Arts revealed the full list of nominees for the 79th BAFTA Film Awards on Tuesday, with “Sinners” firmly positioned among the ceremony’s leading contenders.
The prestigious event is expected to take place in London towards the end of February, with Alan Cumming as host.
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Michael B. Jordan is nominated in the Leading Actor category at the 2026 BAFTA Awards
Jordan earned his first ever BAFTA nomination in one of the ceremony’s most prestigious categories, landing a ‘Lead Actor’ nomination at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards.
In “Sinners,” Jordan plays twin brothers Elijah and Elias Moore. The siblings are former Chicago gangsters who return to their 1930s Mississippi hometown to open a juke joint, only to find themselves confronted by a sinister supernatural force.
Jordan’s performance received widespread critical acclaim, with Frank J. Avella of The Contending calling it “the actor’s best role in an already impressive career.”
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The category is stacked, however. Jordan will face tough competition from Timothée Chalamet (“Marty Supreme”), Leonardo DiCaprio (“One Battle After Another”), Ethan Hawke (“Blue Moon”), Robert Aramayo (“I Swear”) and Jesse Plemons (“Bugonia”).
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The actor is also in the running for the equivalent prize at the Oscars
Jordan’s work in “Sinners” also put him in the running for the industry’s highest honor, the Academy Award for “Best Actor in a Leading Role.”
He’s once again in direct competition with fellow BAFTA nominees Chalamet, DiCaprio and Hawke. Wagner Moura also joins the category for his role in “The Secret Agent.”
Meanwhile, “Sinners” led the pack at the Oscars with an impressive 16 nominations, officially making it the most nominated film in the ceremony’s history.
Jordan was apparently elated when he learned of this incredible feat, and his first thought was to call his mother and tell her the news.
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Michael B. Jordan’s BAFTA nomination is one of 13 nominations won by ‘Sinners’
Much like its performance in the Oscar nominations, “Sinners” became the most dominant title at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards.
This time, the film has racked up an impressive 13 nominations across major categories.
“Sinners” is firmly in the conversation for “Best Picture,” going up against its other prestige contenders “Hamnet” and “Sentimental Value” in that category.
Ryan Coogler has been recognized for his work behind the camera and on the page, earning nominations for “Best Director” and “Original Screenplay.”
For the actors, Wunmi Mosaku earned a nomination in the “Supporting Actress” category, making her the only other cast member besides Jordan to be shortlisted.
“Sinners” also won for “Cinematography,” “Sound” and “Editing,” among others.
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Jordan is still “digesting” the success enjoyed by “sinners”
Coogler and Jordan have enjoyed a lot of success together over the years, but the way the world reacted to “Sinners” left the actor a little stunned.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the actor admitted that he’s still figuring it all out.[I’m] honestly, I’m still digesting all of this,” he said.
Jordan went on to explain that seeing “Sinners” resonate so deeply with audiences, and then receive validation from the industry, made the whole creative journey worthwhile.
“To see how [the film] “I resonated with people all year long, man,” Jordan said. “For all of these pieces to be singled out, recognized and honored by the nomination…It’s something really difficult to put into words right now.”
Michael B. Jordan was initially hesitant about playing his role in ‘Sinners’
When Coogler first pitched the concept of “Sinners” to Jordan, it took a while before the actor responded positively.
Speaking alongside Coogler in a joint interview with Deadline, Jordan explained that his hesitation had less to do with doubts about “Sinners” itself and more to do with another idea he had hoped to explore first with the filmmaker.
Eventually, Jordan realized that “Sinners” was the movie that needed to happen at that time, prompting him to agree to put his own concept on hold. “There was a feeling of “It has to happen now,” he said.
